Chapter 237: Nicolas Flamel’s Invitation
The Hogwarts Express rolled through golden fields of wheat and small villages, the scenery flashing by the windows. Inside their compartment, Kyle had tucked away his Cloak of Invisibility, while Fred and George sat across from him, absorbed in a game of wizard chess. Unlike their usual lightheartedness, the twins wore serious expressions as they focused on the board.
A few days prior, they had boldly challenged Ron to a game of wizard chess, determined to prove they could conquer Professor McGonagall's giant chessboard array just as Ron had.
The result had been a crushing defeat that left them questioning their skills. Unwilling to accept that Ron had bested them, Fred and George vowed to practice and settle the score over the holidays.
Kyle, however, doubted they'd succeed. In his view, Fred and George's talents lay firmly in pranks and inventions, while their chess skills could only be called mediocre.
"What are your plans for the holidays?" Cedric asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
"My father promised to take me to France," Cho answered eagerly. "I've wanted to go ever since you mentioned it last year."
Cedric raised an eyebrow, grinning. "Let me guess—you're interested in seeing Beauxbatons?"
Cho nodded, not bothering to deny it. She'd read that Beauxbatons was said to be the most beautiful of the three major European wizarding schools, famed for its elegant architecture and a crystal astrological tower. The tower, she'd heard, not only charted the orbits of the planets but changed color according to the constellations visible at any given time. She found the idea enchanting.
Next to her, Kyle started to say something but then stopped, realizing that Beauxbatons was likely hidden. Much like a place protected by the Fidelius Charm, the school would be concealed from anyone who hadn't been invited. Even if Cho searched all through the Pyrenees, she probably wouldn't find it. But Kyle kept his thoughts to himself, assuming Cedric—who'd seen Beauxbatons during his visit last year—was already aware of this.