Everyday Life of a Top Student at Hogwarts

Chapter 113 A Reunion in France and a Secret Sanctuary

Chapter 113 A Reunion in France and a Secret Sanctuary

Inside the archway of the special immigration passage at the Paris Ministry of Magic was a corridor carpeted in deep blue, with soft magical runes shimmering on the walls. Dumbledore led the way, followed closely by Cullen, and at the end of the corridor was an ancient oak door.

Pushing open the door, one finds an open-air courtyard meticulously arranged as a small French garden, where a familiar figure stands in the center—Nico Lemaître. He is observing with great interest a strange plant whose leaves have silvery sheen flowing along their edges.

"Mr. Lemaître!" Karen's voice was filled with the joy of reunion and a hint of urgency as she immediately recognized the legendary alchemist.

Nico turned around at the sound of his voice, a gentle and wise smile on his face, his clear, sapphire-like eyes looking at Karen. "Karen, Albus, have a safe journey." His voice was calm yet firm, his gaze lingering on Karen with his usual approval. "Your report on the Moonmoss magic map was brilliant. That insight, that way of thinking that connects phenomena with essence, once again proves your potential. It seems my judgment is always so accurate." He smiled and extended his hand to Karen.

Karen quickly stepped forward and grasped the warm, steady hand. "Thank you for your affirmation, Mr. Lemaître! Professor Castor, he—?"

"The situation has stabilized for now." Nico's smile faded slightly, but his eyes remained gentle. "I know you're anxious. How about we set off now? My place is still quite a distance from here." He looked at Karen, seeking her opinion.

"Yes, Mr. Lemaître, please take me to see Professor Castor." Karen did not hesitate at all.

"Alright." Nico nodded, then turned to Dumbledore. "Albus?"

"I'll do as you say, Nico," Dumbledore replied with a smile.

Nico walked to an inconspicuous stone fountain in a corner of the courtyard, took out his wand, and lightly touched the water flowing from the mouth of the bottle. The water instantly froze, and ripples spread across the entire fountain and the surrounding space. An archway emitting a faint silvery-white halo quietly appeared.

"Please come in." Nico stepped aside.

Karen took a deep breath, carrying his suitcase, and stepped into the glowing light first. After a moment of weightlessness, he found himself standing on a path lined with wisteria blossoms, the air filled with the rich scent of herbs and the tranquil atmosphere of ancient magic. Dumbledore and Nico then appeared, and the portal vanished.

Before me stood an ancient stone mansion, perfectly integrated with the surrounding valley, covered in ivy and inlaid with colorful gilded glass. The garden was filled with exotic, magical plants. The entire place was serene and peaceful, as if time had slowed down.

"This is my secluded retreat, which I call 'The Abode of Tranquility'," Nico explained to Karen. "It is protected by the Charm of Loyalty, and the keeper of the secret is Albus."

"The Curse of Unwavering Loyalty? Is that the letter I sent before?" Karen immediately thought of their previous correspondence.

“Yes,” Nico explained with a smile. “The spell protects the exact location of the building. But we’ve set up a detection magic network in the outer valley. Any creature carrying a specific magical mark or attempting to enter, like an owl, will be detected and trigger an alarm to notify us. We’ll determine whether a response is needed and how to receive it safely. After your owl flies to the edge of the valley and triggers the alarm, we’ll guide it to the receiving point.” He pointed to the small stone house on the distant hillside.

"I see." Karen nodded, while also sensing the unusually pure and stable magical environment of this place.

The three walked toward the mansion's main gate. The gate opened automatically, and Pereñar Lemaître stood in the foyer, exuding a calm and elegant demeanor.

"Perenaar, Karen and Albus have arrived," Nico said gently.

"Albus!" Perenaar smiled and gave Dumbledore a cheek kiss, then looked at Cullen with kind eyes. "Cullen, we meet again. Castor has been waiting for you. Come in. Your discovery has been a great help."

"Madame Lemaître, hello. I still remember our last meeting on the beach." Karen bowed and greeted her.

The foyer is spacious and bright. In the center floats a slowly rotating, intricate three-dimensional model composed of light and crystal.

It emanated a powerful magical aura. Ancient star charts and runic tapestries hung on the walls. In the corners stood several lifelike statues of alchemical creatures, a crystal owl occasionally blinking, and a bronze hound's tail swaying extremely slowly.

"Casto is in the sunroom, he just took a stabilizing agent and is in good spirits," Perenall said, leading them through the foyer. "He knows you're here today. However, he needs to rest." She glanced at Karen, offering a kind reminder.

"I understand, madam," Karen replied solemnly.

The sunroom was warm and verdant. Professor Castor sat in a large wicker chair, covered with a thin blanket and dressed in a dark house robe. His face was pale and sallow, his eyes sunken, his cheekbones prominent, and he was unusually thin. His gray hair was somewhat disheveled. His left sleeve was rolled up, revealing an arm where cursed markings writhed and twisted, their color deeper, their area larger, slightly raised, and emanating a faint black aura, slowly writhing and pulsating beneath the skin like living things.

However, when he looked up at the doorway, his eyes remained sharp and clear, even more profound. A familiar, slightly arrogant yet strained smile appeared on his lips.

"Karen," his voice was hoarse but clear, his gaze fixed directly on Karen, "and Albus, fairly punctual."

"Professor Castor!" Karen hurried forward, placing her suitcase by the door. Looking at her mentor's weak appearance, worry and sorrow welled up within her, leaving her speechless for a moment.

"Don't be there, Karen." Castor raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone as stern as ever, but his eyes softened. "Sit." He gestured with his right hand, which was not covered by a blanket, to the wicker chair next to him.

Dumbledore and the Nicos exchanged glances, and Perenaar said softly, "You two talk, we'll go prepare some tea and refreshments." The three of them withdrew tacitly and gently closed the door behind them.

Only the teacher and student remained in the room. The sunlight was warm and tranquil, contrasting sharply with Castor's weak yet sharp gaze. Karen sat down as instructed, leaning slightly forward.

"Professor, how are you feeling?" Karen finally found her voice, full of concern.

"You won't die for now, much better than when it suddenly erupted before." Castor's voice was hoarse, and the curse on his left arm made him frown slightly as he adjusted his posture. "Although Nico's methods are extraordinary, the special moonlight moss you found also played a crucial role." His gray eyes looked directly at Karen. "I've read the report; it's very detailed. The natural magical resonance cycle you observed..."

Its "stabilizing" and "soothing" properties are far more pure than I expected. My previous focus on pure magic while neglecting this natural material was a mistake.

"I just happened to be able to see it—" Karen said somewhat embarrassedly.

“There’s no ‘just right’,” Castor interrupted, his tone decisive. “The ‘Eye of Truth’ is a gift, but the ability to discover, understand, record, and connect with my symptoms takes observation, theoretical foundation, and critical thinking. It’s your hard work; there’s no need to be modest.” He paused, gathering his strength, “How’s school? How’s your spell practice going? How’s your alchemy research?”

The change of topic made Karen realize that his mentor was concerned about his studies and trying to distract him. He perked up and reported, "Don't worry, Professor Flitwick's training is very rigorous. I can now maintain the magical output of two advanced spells simultaneously, combining the Armor Charm and the Barrier Charm. I was already proficient in using them during our practical training with Professor Flitwick last week."

"Hmm, Flitwick's combination techniques are unique." Castor nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "What about alchemy? Will your experiments have stalled while I'm gone?"

"No, Professor!" Karen assured him, his face beaming with excitement. "It's still progressing steadily. Based on your previous ideas, some of the improved runes from Lucian's Journal, and a bit of inspiration from the Moonmoss cycle during this time, we've improved the protective badge. The shield's duration has been extended even further! Although the absorption efficiency has only increased slightly, the test results are much better than before." He then took out the improved badge and handed it to Castor.

Castor extended his trembling but steady right hand to take it, rubbing the badge with his fingertips and gazing intently at it.

After observing carefully for a while, Castor returned the badge, leaned back in his chair, panting, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Karen's anxiety began to rise.

"Sit still." Castor closed his eyes and then opened them again, a hint of weariness in them, but his tone was firm. "Listen, Karen. Nico has done a lot, and with your moonshine moss as the key catalyst and stabilizer, the curse of Helpo has been temporarily suppressed."

Karen held her breath, remained silent, and continued to listen to Professor Castor.

"The worsening trend has been contained." Castor's voice carried a calm after the ordeal. "It's like a caged beast, still roaring, but at least it can't bite anymore." He looked at his left arm, his eyes complex. "Eradicate it? Easier said than done. It's a curse that entangles the soul and bloodline."

He lowered his hand, his gaze solemnly focusing on Karen: "But this means I still have time. Not weeks or months, it could be years. But in any case, this time is not for lamenting and waiting to die, Karen. This is for you, and for myself."

"I understand, Professor!"

"Good that you understand." Castor's eyes were extremely serious. "So, put away your unnecessary worries. Your primary task is to study!"

Become stronger! Master knowledge! Charms, Transfiguration, and especially alchemy—these are the strongest weapons for understanding the rules of the world and fighting the unknown. Although I can no longer go to Hogwarts for the time being, I will continue to guide you. Come back through letters or during holidays.

He paused, then continued, "Knowledge, Karen Hawthorne, only knowledge and power will not betray you. They are your only reliance against fate. My time may be limited, but my knowledge must be passed on. And you are my chosen successor. Do not disappoint me, even if in the very end I may still not break the curse and die by its hand, my knowledge will still be passed on!"

These words struck Karen like a hammer blow. He saw his mentor's profound hopes and determination. This was not only for Castor himself, but also for the magical knowledge he had poured his entire life into.

"I will never let you down, Professor!" Karen straightened her back, her eyes equally resolute and fervent. "I will certainly inherit your knowledge! And I will surely break your curse!"

Sunlight bathed the two. The heavy bond between the ailing mentor and the young apprentice—a bond forged in the transmission of knowledge and the struggle against fate—was strengthened even more. Karen's worries lingered, but were replaced by a stronger motivation: she had to grow up faster.

Suddenly, there was a light knock on the door, and Perenaar's gentle voice came through: "Casto, Karen, the tea and snacks are ready. It's time to rest and recharge."

Castor's features softened: "Okay, Perenaar, coming right away."

Then they slowly got up from the recliner and walked slowly towards the door.

On the round table in the small living room lay exquisite refreshments: herbal tea in bone china cups, delicate macarons, frosted croissants, and fresh fruit. Dumbledore and Nicole were conversing in hushed tones.

"Looks like the talks went well?" Nico's gaze swept over Castor's tired but still acceptable face and Karen's expression, which had already relaxed.

"Karen reported on her studies and said she hadn't slacked off." Castor was helped into a thickly cushioned armchair.

"Professor Castor gave me suggestions on how to improve the badge," Karen added.

Perenaar poured Castor a special potion that emitted a pale blue mist, and poured herbal tea for Cullen and Dumbledore.

"Drink this first, Castor, to calm down." She handed the potion to Castor and smiled at Karen. "Try the honey lemon cake, a new recipe. I added some herbs to enhance the flavor."

"Thank you, madam." Karen picked up the cake; it was indeed delicious, with a sweet and fragrant aroma.

"Karen," Nico sipped his tea, "since you're so passionate about alchemy, perhaps you'd like to visit where Perenaar and I work? Some things might inspire you."

Karen's eyes lit up instantly: "Of course, Mr. Flamel! It would be my honor!" He looked at Castor and Dumbledore.

Castor sipped his medicine and said, "Go ahead. Look more, think more, touch less. If you break it, you couldn't afford to pay for it even if you sold yourself." There was a hint of teasing in his tone.

Dumbledore nodded with a smile: "Nico's workshop is considered a holy land for alchemists by many, so this is a rare opportunity."

'

"Albus, you flatter me. This is just one of my many workshops." Nicole smiled and stood up. "Come with me."

Karen.

Nicolas Flamel's workshop here was nothing like the mystical hall Cullen had imagined, filled with rare materials and ancient alchemical artifacts. It was more like a sophisticated laboratory that perfectly blended ancient wisdom with modern magical engineering. A huge, transparent domed skylight let in ample natural light, illuminating neatly arranged workbenches of various materials, mostly herbs. It was clear that this place had been renovated for Professor Castor.

"Welcome to the 'Meditation Chamber,' Karen." Nico's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet space, carrying the composure characteristic of its owner. "No need to be shy, but please follow my lead. Some areas have active magical fields that are not very friendly to unguided visitors."

Karen immediately composed herself, but her gaze was involuntarily drawn to a large, humming instrument nearby.

It consists of several nested brass rings, with a constantly rotating, softly blue-glowing liquid substance suspended at its core. Countless hair-thin streams of magical light leap and weave between the copper rings, forming a complex and dazzling array of dynamic runes.

"The Material Foundation Separator," Nicole explained casually, noticing his gaze, while lightly tapping a crystal observation window on the side of the device with the tip of her wand. The scene inside instantly magnified, projecting clearly into the surrounding air, forming a screen of light. "It's used to extract the most fundamental elemental properties of matter, remove impurities, and even attempt to separate the original combined state of magic and matter. Look over there—"

Through the Eye of Truth, Karen saw that the blue liquid was not a chaotic mass, but rather countless tiny specks of light vibrating, colliding, separating, and reforming at high speed. Magic wasn't simply enveloping them; it was intertwined and resonating with the particles at the most fundamental level. He instantly understood the workings of the instrument: the complex magical field formed by those precise brass rings was "combing" the magical structure within the matter with extremely high frequency and precision, forcibly stripping away or guiding specific energy attributes. This was a fusion of magic and technology.

“True alchemy, Karen,” Nico’s voice pulled him back from the awe of the microscopic world, “its core lies in understanding the essential laws governing the transformation of matter and energy, in discerning the primordial ‘principle’ and ‘order’ that constitute the world. It doesn’t rely on some magical and powerful tool, but is built upon countless observations, deductions, verifications, and reverence for the fundamental laws of the universe. The Philosopher’s Stone?” He shook his head slightly, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “It’s more like a key, unlocking the door to understanding the deep mysteries of matter, rather than the destination itself. Obsessing over the Philosopher’s Stone will only blind the eyes to the pursuit of truth.”

Karen nodded vigorously: "I understand, Mr. Lemaître. Just as Professor Castor taught me, alchemy is the equation that analyzes the rules of the world."

"Casto's judgment is always spot on," Nico praised, leading Karen to the next area.

Here, even more sophisticated equipment is displayed. A device composed of hundreds of perfectly cut crystal prisms is breaking down a beam of sunlight into countless tiny rainbows, each beam precisely projected onto different magical colonies in the cultured blood below. The colonies are visibly undergoing subtle changes. "Spectral Harmonization and Magic Catalysis Array," Nico explains, "is used to study the directional effects of different types of light on the life matrix and magically active substances. For example, the 'stability' of the moonmoss you discovered is closely related to the specific lunar spectrum it absorbs."

Karen immediately thought of the moonshine moss in the Eagle's Nest and his own attempts to simulate its natural magical cycle. He couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Lemaître, if Professor Castor's curse is a kind of 'chaotic' and 'corrosive' magic, then could we use a similar 'stable' spectrum for targeted neutralization or channeling?"

"A keen eye for detail!" Nico's eyes revealed admiration for Karen. He adjusted the angle of the crystal prism, drawing out a soft, almost silvery-white beam of cold light. "This is precisely one of the directions we're currently working towards. Your moonmoss sample provides an extremely valuable and efficient 'stabilizing' carrier, allowing us to use it as a medium to attempt to construct a more sophisticated energy conduction model. Unfortunately, Helpo's curse—" He sighed softly, his tone becoming serious, "is too deeply entangled with Voldemort's evil magic, like two poisonous vines strangled together. Forcibly separating one will immediately unleash the toxicity of the other. We need to find a 'key' that can simultaneously soothe, isolate, and ultimately decompose both heterogeneous magical forces, which is far more difficult than simply 'stabilizing' them."

Before Karen could ask any more questions, Nico changed the subject: "However, your discovery has greatly slowed the spread of the curse, buying precious time to find the 'key.' Hope has never been lost, Karen."

They visited several other areas: a greenhouse that used the earth's ley line magic to maintain a constant temperature and cultivate rare magical plants; a corner filled with complex star trackers and magic tide recorders, used to observe the relationship between celestial movements and the macroscopic magic field; and an area completely enveloped by a soft, silent barrier, in which several unfinished alchemical items floated, slowly rotating in an invisible force field, their surfaces shimmering with a liquid metal-like luster.

The entire tour was concise and efficient. Nico's explanations were insightful yet accessible, touching upon the core concepts of alchemy with remarkable precision. Karen, like a sponge, greedily absorbed every concept and every inspiration, his mind racing, constantly verifying and integrating what he saw and heard with Castor's teachings, Lucian's notes, and his own experiments. He truly felt that there were no dazzling magical wonders here, only the ultimate exploration and application of the essential laws of the world—a magnificent power built upon a vast knowledge system and rigorous logic.

"How are you feeling, Karen?" Nicole asked with a smile as they returned to the studio entrance.

"Unbelievable, Mr. Lemaître!" Karen exclaimed sincerely, her eyes gleaming with a thirst for knowledge. "Every instrument seems to tell a story about how matter and magic converse. This is completely different from what we learn in school and the basic practice taught by Professor Castor. It's like... like seeing a vast symphony orchestra hidden behind the scenes."

"I'm glad you could feel the 'rhythm' in it." Nico was clearly pleased with the analogy. "Alchemy is a language for understanding the world. Alright, that's a temporary end to the serious 'class.' It would be a shame to come all this way to France and just stay confined to the lab and patients. Would you like to see the magical world of Paris? The place where real wizards live?"

Karen was taken aback, then a surge of immense joy welled up inside her: "Really? Mr. Lemaître? Won't that be too much trouble for you?"

“Of course. Perenaar is going to buy some rare calming herbs, we can go together. Albus probably hasn’t taken a walk in the streets of Paris in a long time either.” Nicole’s tone was relaxed and cheerful. “Besides, I think Castor would agree that you should get some fresh air and change your mood. It’s not good for a young person to be around a sick old man and a bunch of cold instruments all day.”

Perena was already waiting in the foyer. "Is everything arranged?" she asked Nicole.

"Yes, dear. Take our young friends to see the 'shop windows' of Paris." Nicole nodded.