Ch161- Bidding Goodbye

Ch161- Bidding Goodbye

Join my Discord!

A week into this tranquil existence, another letter from Nicolas Flamel arrived, breaking the calm. Flamel wrote that he would be leaving the country to return to his home in France in a week and that he intended to visit Harry's residence to personally escort him for the summer internship. Harry sighed upon reading the letter, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty swirling within him. What would this internship bring? And how would it change the course of his magical education?

"Sounds like your summer plans are all set, Master Harry," Nigel's voice broke through his contemplation, its usual lilt carrying a hint of intrigue. "A trip to France with a legendary alchemist. Not exactly the average holiday itinerary for a young wizard, I'd say."

Harry couldn't help but smile at Nigel's observation. "True, but when has anything about my life been average? Besides, I'm curious about what Flamel can teach me. It could be a chance to learn things I'd never get to at Hogwarts."

"Or a chance to turn yourself into a gold statue if you're not careful with those alchemy experiments," Nigel quipped, his tone light yet carrying an undercurrent of caution.

Rolling his eyes, Harry replied, "I'll be sure to avoid any spells that might permanently alter my appearance. I'm rather fond of my current form."

"As you should be, Master Harry. Though, a golden statue of you would make quite the conversation starter at Hogwarts," Nigel mused, his amusement evident even in his unseen presence.

Harry penned letters to his friends, informing them of his upcoming travel to abroad with Nicolas Flamel. He started with Daphne, Tracey, and Neville, expressing his desire to meet them before his departure. After setting up appointments with them, he wrote to Susan, Hannah, and Hermione, followed by the others. Time seemed to accelerate, the days blending into one another as Harry prepared for his summer adventure.

"Sending out invitations to your farewell tour, Master Harry?" Nigel teased as Harry sealed the last of his letters.

"Something like that," Harry replied with a chuckle. "I want to make sure I see everyone before I leave. It's going to be an interesting summer, to say the least."

"Interesting is putting it mildly. I'm half expecting you to come back with a philosopher's stone of your own—or at least a new potion to turn homework into chocolate frogs," Nigel said, his tone playful.

Harry smiled at the thought. "Now, that would be something. I'm sure Hermione would have mixed feelings about it, though."

In the next few days, Harry set about meeting with his friends, a series of gatherings that served both as farewells and opportunities to strengthen the bonds formed over the past year. His meetings were thoughtful, ensuring each was given attention, though he chose not to divulge the specifics of his summer plans with Nicolas Flamel, merely hinting at a broad exploration abroad.

With the rest of his friends, Harry chose brief encounters, each marked by laughter and the exchange of summer plans. Draco, Nott, and Zabini were met with in Diagon Alley, their conversation brief but filled with the competitive banter that had come to define their interactions. Despite their differences, there was an underlying respect, a mutual recognition of their shared experiences at Hogwarts that bound them in an unspoken camaraderie.

Parvati, Padma, and Lavender, ever the inseparable trio, shared their excitement for a magical retreat they had planned, their conversation a whirlwind of laughter and plans for adventure. Harry listened, amused and somewhat envious of their unbridled enthusiasm, their spirits undampened by the unknowns of the magical world they were still discovering.

As he bid farewell to each of them, Harry felt a pang of nostalgia for the year past and a flicker of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. The promise of new experiences, of knowledge yet to be discovered, was a tantalizing prospect.

"Quite the social butterfly, aren't you, Master Harry?" Nigel's voice broke through his reflections, a touch of amusement coloring his words. "Gallivanting around with witches and wizards of all stripes. Makes one wonder what they'd say if they knew about your secret summer assignment."

Harry chuckled, imagining the varied reactions. "I think Hermione would pack me off with a library's worth of research material, and Neville would send me with a bouquet of protective plants."

"And Draco? Would he send you with a guidebook on 'How Not to Embarrass Yourself in Front of Ancient Alchemists'?" Nigel quipped, his tone light.

"Only if he wrote it himself," Harry shot back, the ease of their banter a comfortable constant in the whirlwind of farewells and preparations.

As the day of his departure drew near, Harry found himself caught between the excitement of the unknown and the comfort of familiar routines. The promise of learning from Nicolas Flamel, of delving into the mysteries of alchemy and perhaps uncovering secrets of the magical world that few had the chance to explore, was a heady prospect.

Yet, as he packed his bags, Hedwig perched solemnly on her cage, watching with a wisdom that seemed beyond her years, Harry couldn't shake a sense of apprehension. What challenges would this summer bring? And what discoveries lay in wait?

--

Please rate and review! Much appreciated! Leave a comment, tell me what you think!

To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and suppot me...

Please drop a comment and like the chapter!