Chapter 659: Building a Nest for Norbert with Galleons
The tea room on the sixth floor was unchanged since Kyle's last visit. He was in the same booth, sitting in the exact same seat, but this time, the person across from him wasn't Dumbledore—it was Director Sykes.
For reasons Kyle couldn't quite pin down, the renowned Potioneer seemed a bit nervous. He had seen this expression before, most notably on Fred and George's faces when they first sold their Maps. Nervous, but more than anything, filled with anticipation.
But this was different. The person in front of him wasn't a mischievous entrepreneur; this was the Director of St. Mungo's, a master of potion-making even more famous than Snape. There was no way someone like her was short on Galleons.
"How have you been?" Director Sykes asked, pouring two cups of black tea. "How are your studies going?"
Kyle had to admit, it was a painfully awkward start—like meeting a distant relative after ten years and being forced into small talk. He couldn't shake the feeling.
"Well, it's not bad," Kyle replied, taking his cup of tea. "When I graduate next year, I should be able to earn around ten certificates."
"Ten? That's quite impressive," Director Sykes remarked.
"It's possible," Kyle said softly. "Though, it might end up being less."
"Is that so?"
With that, the conversation hit a sudden lull. The atmosphere in the booth grew thick with awkward silence. Kyle wasn't used to this kind of stilted interaction. He wanted to break the ice, but since he didn't know why Sykes had invited him, he could only grope for a neutral topic.
"By the way, Director Sykes, how is Mr. Sturgis's injury?"