NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: CH 10
"Our work is done, as is Harry's."
As the three of them talked, they arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. Hagrid arranged for a room at the inn for Harry to stay in until September 1st, when school would begin.
"I figured you wouldn't want to go back to your aunt and uncle's house, so you can stay here. When the time comes, head to this address, board the Hogwarts Express, and you'll be at Hogwarts in no time. Got it?" Hagrid said as he handed Harry a map and his Hogwarts Express ticket.
"I will. Don't worry about me," Harry nodded.
"Hmm, you can go to Old Tom for your meals—he's a great cook. Of course, you can also visit Diagon Alley. Just don't go to Knockturn Alley, and you'll be fine. Oh, and I've left you a little surprise with Old Tom. Go check it out later," Hagrid added.
"Got it."
"Finally…"
Hagrid looked around, making sure no one was listening, before whispering: "The wall in the patio has been repaired. Now, let me tell you the correct way to enter Diagon Alley. There's a trash can in the corner. Count three bricks upwards and two bricks inwards, then tap the bricks three times with your wand. Remember that."
Hagrid glanced meaningfully at Kaysen.
"Alright, alright. I've got it," Kaysen said with a shrug.
"Are you leaving now?" Harry asked.
"Sorry, I've got work to do back at Hogwarts," Hagrid replied.
"Okay, see you at the start of term."
"See you at the start of term."
After bidding Harry goodbye, Hagrid tossed two silver Sickles to Old Tom, grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, and handed another to Kaysen. Kaysen had read about Floo Powder in one of his books and felt confident he could use it.
He threw the powder into the flames, which turned green, and clearly said: "Hogwarts, Alchemy Professor's Office."
Boom!
The moment Kaysen stepped into his office, the first thing he did was change into dry pajamas. He tossed his clothes into the dirty laundry basket, knowing the house-elves would quietly collect, wash, and return them.
"One long night and a whole day… I'm exhausted," he muttered, collapsing onto the bed.
A house-elf appeared silently, placing a sleep-aid charm near his bedside table before vanishing with the dirty clothes.
Kaysen slept deeply until the next morning. After waking, he took a quick shower, dressed, and stepped out of his office, feeling refreshed—only to bump into Dumbledore in the corridor.
"Ah, Kaysen, how was yesterday's little adventure?" Dumbledore asked with a curious twinkle in his eyes.
"An adventure?"
"Of course. Life is about constantly doing things you've never done before. That's what makes it an adventure," Dumbledore explained.
"Well, it was… interesting. Some parts were beautiful, others not so much. I killed three people," Kaysen admitted with a shrug.
[Satisfaction +10 from Dumbledore]
[Favorability +10 from Dumbledore]
[Trust +10 from Dumbledore]
"Three dark wizards, yes. I wanted to ask about it yesterday, but you were asleep, and I didn't want to wake you," Dumbledore said, nodding.
"I thought you'd be angry," Kaysen said, surprised.
"Kind people shouldn't suffer for their kindness. Do I seem so pedantic to you?"
Kaysen gave him a once-over. "Well, at least you look old."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Of course, I don't blame you. Those wizards chose to use dark magic for evil. They must have known their day of reckoning would come."
"Honestly, you're a good headmaster. I thought you might be one of those… non-killers."
"That would be foolish. Tell me, did you meet the boy? Harry Potter?"
Kaysen nodded. "What a poor kid. Hagrid said his family's vault is well-stocked, and you were managing it. Why didn't you think to give his aunt and uncle some of that money for his care? His life could've been much better."
"An old man may live a long life, but he is not perfect. That was an oversight on my part," Dumbledore admitted with a soft smile.
"Fine. I'll cover the alimony for you."
"Thank you. Submit a report to the school board later—they'll reimburse you."
"Yeah, that's not why I'm doing it."
The two continued chatting as they climbed the spiral staircase leading to Dumbledore's office.
"I've been meaning to ask—don't you think these stairs are a bit much at your age?" Kaysen teased.
"They're the secret to my good health," Dumbledore replied with a smile.
"Alright, if you say so."
Once inside the office, Dumbledore sat at his desk, pulled a small cloth bag from his pocket, and placed it on the table.
Kaysen took it curiously, pulling out an irregular, blood-red stone.
"This is a Philosopher's Stone, created by my old friend, Nicolas Flamel. It represents the pinnacle of alchemy," Dumbledore explained.
"Shame to give something like this to someone like me. It's like playing a piano for a cow," Kaysen quipped, curling his lips in mock disdain.
"You can achieve far greater feats than this stone. Nicolás and his wife were ready to face death, so they entrusted it to me. Unfortunately, a rat in the shadows became aware of its existence, so I'm keeping it safe for now."
"What do you want me to do with it?" Kaysen asked.
"Can you create a convincing replica? It must be made of real magical materials and emit similar magical energy. I plan to use it as bait, but I don't want the fish to actually eat the bait. That's why I'm asking for your help."
Kaysen studied the Philosopher's Stone in his hand, smacking his lips thoughtfully.
"Not a problem."