Hogwarts: I Am an Exemplary Wizard

"I want to go now," said Kael.

Fawkes returned from Devon two days ago, and he brought Nicolas’s reply. He can go anytime now.

"No need to rush," said Viktor. "Nicolas still needs to do some preparatory work, which will take about five days. Even if you go now, you’ll be waiting. Since you’ll be waiting, it doesn’t matter where you are."

"Alright then," Kael nodded.

Viktor closed the door again, eager to try out his new idea. However, this time, the red light on the wall did not light up.

...

Even though Viktor thought he could stay here a little longer, Kael insisted on leaving Beauxbatons the next day.

After a few attempts to keep him, Ms.Maxime no longer insisted.

Just like when they arrived, Fleur sent them back.

The group walked out of the school gates, and she laid the flying carpet on a large stone.

"Come on, where do you want to go next?" Fleur said, "How about watching the Elf Dance Troupe perform? It’s in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, not far from here."

"No, you go ahead," Kael shook his head and said, "I have something to attend to, and I must return to the United Kingdom now."

"Going back now..." Fleur wondered, "Is it that urgent?"

Conna also looked at him.

"I also wanted to stay longer, but I heard something from Professor Viktor that’s quite urgent, so..."

"It’s okay," Conna said with a light laugh, "I happen to have a new magic potion formula to verify, and I didn’t plan to run around anymore."

She stepped forward and hugged Kael, "Be sure to stay safe after you return."

"You too, if you encounter any trouble, go to Ms.Maxime," Kael said, "Don’t worry about being indebted; later, you can have Professor Dumbledore help repay it."

Conna was amused by this, and said jokingly, "Are you sure Professor Dumbledore knows about this?"

"No, but he won’t mind," Kael said.

"Hey, you two might be underestimating me," Fleur said with a stern face, "This is France, even if there’s trouble, I can handle it easily."

"That would be a favor from you. When you and Bill get married, I’ll send you a big gift."

"You said it, what if I’m not satisfied?" Fleur raised her eyebrow, "I have high standards."

"Then I’ll find another until you’re satisfied."

Kael chuckled, then extended his hand.

Fleur didn’t have time to react before a large, golden-red bird descended from the sky; Kael grabbed its tail feathers and disappeared with a pop.

"Oh!"

Fleur was startled and couldn’t help but look up, "Conna, did you see that just now?"

"Yes, I saw it," Conna said softly, looking at the spot where Kael disappeared.

"What was that? It couldn’t have been a Phoenix!"

"That’s a Phoenix, called Fawkes," Conna said, "Remember? Kael came to France this way before."

"Really convenient." Fleur was somewhat envious, not because Phoenixes could evade the Ministry of Magic’s Apparition tracking, but because the fantastic beast was so beautiful.

Its golden-red feathers under the sunlight looked like gold in flames, and its calls, though brief, were more melodious than the grandest performances at the Magic Opera House.

"Do you think I could find a Phoenix too?" Fleur looked at Conna with some expectation.

"Um... possibly," Conna said, trying not to shatter her friend’s fantasy, "The magic realm is so vast, there’ll be a chance."

"It would be nice if I could," Fleur scoured the sky for a while, trying to find any trace of the Phoenix. After a few minutes, she gave up reluctantly and returned to Shop Street with Conna aboard the flying carpet.

"What are you planning to do next?" she asked.

Conna thought for a moment and said, "Same as before."

"But didn’t you say you wanted to experiment with the new magic potion formula?"

"I can do that anytime; there’s no rush."

"But you’ve been brewing so many potions these past few days." Turning back, Fleur said, "I think taking a break and doing something else shouldn’t be a problem."

"Not enough," Conna shook her head gently, "I think preparing a bit more would be better."

...

Meanwhile.

Kael, having left Beauxbatons, was taken by Fawkes to Nicolas’s manor in Devon.

As soon as they landed, the house-elf Tata quickly ran over.

"Master asked me to wait here for you, sir."

"Thank you," Kael patted his slightly dizzy forehead, "Where’s Nicolas?"

"Master is in the Alchemy Room," Tata said, "I’ll take you there, sir."

One person and one elf walked into the manor. Kael didn’t know if it was just an illusion, but the once vast courtyard seemed to pass by quickly this time.

However, he didn’t pay attention to these details.

Tata led Kael to a room on the right side of the hall, the same place where the Golden Cup and Pendant Box were previously stored.

Nicolas was there, staring at a red cauldron, which contained a pot of golden potion, bubbling with blue bubbles.

"I thought you wouldn’t come for another couple of days," Nicolas looked up, "Didn’t Viktor tell you that I need some time to prepare?"

"He did," Kael nodded, "But I thought it would be better to come as soon as possible, and maybe help a bit."

"Although saying this might discourage you, Kael, I can do all these tasks myself; there’s really nothing you can help with."

"Did you bring the item?" Nicolas extended his hand, asking.

"I brought it," Kael hastily took out the Time Turner, with its shell repaired.