novelraw Chapter 129 Accepting the Invitation
Chapter 129 Accepting the Invitation
Chapter 129 Accepting the Invitation
Lily's cheers seemed to ignite the air in Hawthorne's living room. Following the immense surprise came more concrete and realistic considerations.
The family of four sat around the sofa in the living room, with the gorgeous gold-rimmed invitation placed solemnly in the center of the coffee table.
"Before the family meeting begins, I have one more question, Karen?" Emily suddenly asked, shifting her gaze from the invitation to her son, her fingertip lightly tapping the word "Casto" on the letter.
"What's wrong, Mom?" Karen's heart skipped a beat, and she instantly realized the problem—Nicole's letter directly stated that Professor Victor was Castor! He had been too focused on reading the letter and had completely overlooked this point.
"Who is Castor mentioned in the letter? And what about Professor Victor?" Emily stared intently at Karen, her tone gentle but with an undeniable air of inquiry.
The air in the living room fell silent instantly. David put down the photo in his hand and looked at Karen with a puzzled expression. Lily sensed the change in atmosphere, stopped jumping around, and blinked her eyes curiously.
Karen took a deep breath, knowing he could no longer hide it, and an apologetic look appeared on his face. "I'm sorry, Mom and Dad," he said sincerely.
His voice carried a hint of guilt. "It's my fault. Professor Victor is Professor Castor. Or rather, 'Victor' is a pseudonym Professor Castor used at the school."
"A fake name?" David frowned. "Why? For security reasons?"
“Yes, Father,” Karen nodded, quickly explaining, “Professor Castor has a rather special background, and when he arrived at Hogwarts at the beginning of last term, he wasn’t feeling well and needed to rest. He didn’t want too much attention or disturbance, so he used the name ‘Victor.’ He was my actual alchemy mentor at Hogwarts, and that notebook was given to me by him.”
He paused, then added, "Mr. Nicolas Flamel is an old friend of his, so he knows about this. He also recuperated and recovered with Nicolas during his trip to France. I didn't tell you his real identity before, firstly because he requested secrecy, and secondly because I didn't want you to worry about his health—after all, he wasn't in very good condition at the time. But now, he's recovering very well with Nicolas."
And it was mentioned in the letter, so I felt I should tell you the truth. I'm sorry for keeping it from you all this time.
Looking at the sincere apology on her son's face, and remembering that Professor Castor was his mentor and had helped him so much, and that he was now recovering, Emily's doubts gradually faded, replaced by understanding and helplessness. "You silly child," she sighed, her tone softening, "Such a big thing, you should have told us sooner. But since it was the professor's request, and for his safety and recovery, we'll let it go this time." She reached out and gently pinched Karen's ear, a hint of reproach in her voice, "Don't let it happen again!"
David nodded, his expression serious but accepting of the explanation: "Keeping one's identity secret certainly sounds necessary in your world. Well, this is a special case, I forgive you." He patted Karen on the shoulder. "But remember your mother's words, don't let us find out the truth from other people's letters again." He then changed the subject, "So, this Professor Castor, your mentor, is recovering well under Master Lemaître, right? Is he safe?"
"Yes, Dad, it's absolutely safe," Karen assured him immediately, a weight lifted from her shoulders.
"That's good." David felt relieved, then cleared his throat, trying to appear serious, but the smile in his eyes was impossible to hide.
The excitement of the family trip was clearly back. "Alright, that's enough of the little incident! Family meeting, let's begin!" He raised his voice slightly, bringing everyone's attention back to the main topic.
"Topic: Accepting Mr. Nicolas Flamel's invitation for a family trip to France," David announced, his gaze sweeping over his family. "Karen,"
"You're our 'diplomat' and 'security advisor' to the magical world. Please give us a detailed explanation of the situation, focusing on safety, feasibility, and specific precautions. Lily, sit down and listen carefully!"
"Okay, Daddy!" Karen sat up straight and immediately got into the zone. Lily also obediently sat back on the sofa, her big eyes still darting around excitedly, but she tried her best to look like she was listening attentively.
"First and foremost, safety is Nico and his team's top priority, and it's the part they've arranged most meticulously." Karen picked up the invitation, pointing to its contents. "Throughout the trip, the actual contact with 'magic' will be strictly controlled within the 'Quiet Abode' and the secure area prepared by Nico and his team, such as the visit outside Beauxbatons. These aspects are under the absolute control of Nico and the guide. The rest of the time, we'll be sightseeing in Paris like ordinary tourists. Theoretically, the risk is even lower than a typical independent trip abroad, because we have the legendary master Nico overseeing us."
Emily listened attentively, her brow relaxing slightly, but the head nurse's keen observation prompted her to press for details: "What about inside the 'Quiet Abode'? Could there be things we can't see or touch? What if Lily accidentally touches something she shouldn't? Like those seemingly ordinary decorative alchemical items?"
“Mom, although the ‘Quiet Abode’ is a magical dwelling, Nicole and Perenel have lived there for many years, and they know very well how to make a space both magically enchanting and welcoming to guests,” Karen explained. “It’s fully equipped, and I lived there for a while before. As for those alchemical devices or items that look special, they’re definitely kept in a dedicated workshop or collection room, not in our living area. Lily will be fine as long as she doesn’t touch them. And,” he looked at his sister, “Lily is very sensible, isn’t she? She knows not to run around or touch unfamiliar things.”
"Mmm! Lily is the best girl! I'll just look and not touch anything! Will Mrs. Perenel like me?" Lily immediately promised, her little face full of seriousness, and then a little expectant.
"She'll definitely like you," Karen said with a smile, then continued to introduce Beauxbatons, "It's one of the three great magic schools in Europe, on par with Hogwarts. It's located in the Pyrenees Mountains in southern France. Mrs. Maxime is the headmistress, a very tall and elegant lady. As for how to visit it, I don't know the specifics, since I've never been there myself, but I'm sure it must be very beautiful."
"That sounds really good." David stroked his chin, imagining what a magical French castle would look like. "What about Paris? Shall we go and explore on our own?"
"Yes!" Karen said confidently. "According to the letter, Nico also encouraged us to explore other non-magical areas of Paris."
We can visit all the classic attractions—the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, a Seine River cruise, and the Champs-Élysées—we're completely free to do so.
"So, what about the schedule?" Emily asked, getting to the heart of the matter. "Karen, you need to study, and David's work—"
David chimed in, his tone precise like an engineer's: "The shipyard has an equipment maintenance period in July and August, so it's not particularly busy. I'll try to coordinate and squeeze in a week or two." He looked at Emily, "What about you? At the hospital?"
Emily quickly did the math: "I can apply for time off in lieu of leave, and with my annual leave, I should be able to create a vacation period. Lily having summer vacation is no problem. The key question is how long our whole family will be gone? How long will Karen's studies last?"
Karen said, "Nicole's letter said he fully respects our wishes. Option one: The whole family goes together and stays for about a week. You can experience the environment of the 'Quiet House,' meet Mr. and Mrs. Nicole and Professor Castor, visit the area outside Beauxbatons, and then spend a few days in Paris. Afterwards, you go back home first, and I stay to continue my studies for a few more weeks. Option two: You accompany me the whole time, but it might be longer, and you'll have more free time at the 'Quiet House' or in Paris. I personally recommend the first option; it's more flexible, Mom won't be away from the hospital for too long, and Dad's work is easier to arrange."
"I also think the first option is more practical," David immediately agreed. "Let's go together first, check out the environment, and get to know the masters."
"Don't worry, let's go back first. Karen stays here to focus on her studies. Lily, what do you think?"
Although Lily was a little reluctant to part with her brother, the thought of going on fun first and eating the legendary French desserts made her immediately nod: "Okay! Let's go to France first! Brother, study hard and come back to teach me how to make my teddy bear do somersaults!"
"Okay, then let's tentatively go as a family for a week," Emily said. "We'll confirm the specific dates with Mr. Lemaître, to coordinate with David and my work schedule, Karen."
David finally made the decision: "Alright! Since safety is guaranteed, the itinerary is arranged, and the timing can be coordinated, what reason is there to refuse?" He reached out and slammed his hand heavily on the coffee table, like striking a hammer: "It's decided! The entire Hawthorne family accepts Master Nicolas Flamel's kind invitation to head to France this summer!"
"Yay!!" Lily burst into a deafening cheer again and jumped into her mother's arms.
Emily smiled too, the last trace of worry in her eyes replaced by anticipation, and she began to show her initiative: "Then we need to get ready quickly!"
Passport! Visa! Summer clothes! I need to make a list, Karen," she looked at her son, a hint of nervousness and seriousness in her eyes, "What do we need to be careful about? For example, how should we address Master Nico and the others? What should we be careful about what we say? Are there any topics we absolutely cannot mention? Or any things we absolutely cannot do? For example, can we take pictures?"
David also became serious: "Yes, yes, this is very important! It's a matter of etiquette. Also, when we're playing in the magical world of Paris, what should we do if we see any strange people or things?" He recalled his experience in Diagon Alley.
Karen, seeing her parents' tense yet inquisitive expressions, couldn't help but smile. "Dad, Mom, relax. Nicole and Perenel are very easygoing and approachable elders. Professor Castor is more serious, but he's very respectful to us. Just be polite, like visiting a highly respected and knowledgeable professor and his wife."
He thought for a moment and explained in detail: "As for titles, you can call Nicolas 'Mr. Lemaître,' and Perenel 'Mrs. Lemaître.' Professor Castor can also be called 'Professor Eisenberg' or Professor Castor; they won't care about these details. Sincerity is the most important thing. If you're curious, for example, about the unusual flowers blooming in the garden, or why Beauxbatons Castle is so magnificent,..."
You could ask, "That's beautiful, how did you do that?" or "This castle must be very old." They might be happy to share some interesting stories.
"And what about in terms of actions?" Emily pressed, especially worried about Lily. "Inside the 'Quiet Abode'?"
"You can't go wrong by following the guide or the owner's directions," Karen said. "If a door is closed, don't push it open out of curiosity. If you see something shiny, with strange patterns, or that looks particularly old, just admire it and don't touch it. Mrs. Perenel's collection may be more valuable than the British Museum's! As for the flowers and plants in the garden, just look at them and don't pick them."
If you take a picture,
Then he looked at his mother, "Taking pictures of landscapes, gardens, and valleys is definitely fine, but inside the house, or in front of those unusual decorations, it's best to ask the guide or owner first, 'Is this a suitable place for taking pictures?' Some places might not be suitable for photography."
Or the magical items might look strange in photos. When you visit Beauxbatons, the guide will definitely tell you in advance where you can and can't take pictures; just follow their rules.
"As for when we're in Paris on our own," Karen's tone became serious, "we should just treat ourselves like ordinary tourists and enjoy our vacation! The guide will only be responsible for getting us safely to the magic-related places and handling any minor troubles. We'll explore the regular sightseeing parts on our own."
However, the most important ironclad rule is:
His gaze swept over his parents and Lily. "Never talk about magic in front of people who aren't in the magical world—especially in public places like streets, restaurants, and tourist attractions! No matter what strange people we see, what strange things we hear, or what incredible little tricks we see, stay calm. Never point them out or discuss them! The guide will be there, and he'll handle any accidental exposure. Remember, magic doesn't exist in the world of ordinary people. This is a fundamental rule protecting both worlds. If you encounter anything you don't understand or that seems off, don't hesitate to ask the guide directly or ask me privately. Safety first."
“That’s enough to remember,” Karen concluded, her tone lightening. “Sincerity, respect, and a touch of just the right amount of curiosity are the best manners. Nicole and her family invited ‘Mr. David Hawthorne and his family,’ not ‘Karen Hawthorne’s Muggle relatives,’ which makes their intentions very clear. Just treat this as a special family vacation.”
David and Emily listened intently, repeatedly confirming the details, as if they were receiving a briefing before an important mission. Lily nodded seriously as well, although she probably only remembered "there are delicious desserts" and "you can't talk about magic outside."
The family meeting concluded successfully, with the resolution passed unanimously. The Hawthorne family's living room was filled with unprecedented activity and excitement. Emily immediately got up to search for everyone's passports, checking their expiration dates, and took out paper and pen to start making a list of supplies; David turned on the computer and began searching for the French visa application process and required documents, muttering "bank statements, employment certificate"; Lily excitedly rummaged through her small wardrobe, wondering which pretty dress to take to France to meet Madame Perené; Karen took out parchment and ink, preparing to reply to Nicolas Flamel.
"Dear Mr. Nicolas Flamel and Mrs. Perenel:"
Karen's pen glided smoothly across the parchment, his words brimming with gratitude and joy. He accepted the invitation on behalf of his entire family.
He briefly outlined the approximate timeframe of his parents' vacation, indicating that specific dates would be determined within the next two weeks, and expressed the whole family's immense anticipation and gratitude. At the end of the letter, he specifically added:
Lily has been cheering for half an hour straight since she learned she would be meeting Madame Perenel and sampling Parisian desserts; we might need to prepare some noise-dampening measures for her excitement. Thank you again for your generosity and thoughtful arrangements! The Hawthorne family eagerly anticipates their trip to France.
He carefully rolled up the letter, tied it with a ribbon, and called out to Folbus. Snowflakes, full of energy, flew down, grasped the weight of the letter carrying the joy and anticipation of the whole family, and once again flapped their wings, flying towards France.
Outside the window, the coastline was bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. The Hawthorne house was brightly lit, filled with the bustling sounds of preparation for crossing the sea and stepping onto the edge of another wondrous world. Karen watched her parents and sister excitedly planning, her grey-blue eyes reflecting a warm light.