Chapter 193: Quirrell's Discharge
"Where to? Diagon Alley?"
"That will be our first stop."
Hearing Ryan's words, a bitter smile touched Quirrell's lips. "It seems I have no reason to refuse."
"Then let's go. We'll find Madam Pomfrey and process your discharge. Do you need a hand?"
"No, thank you."
"It's worth mentioning," Ryan said, "that it's much more pleasant to listen to you now that you're not faking a stutter."
Perhaps it was the freedom from Voldemort's control, perhaps it was the realization that he had brought everything upon himself, or perhaps it was the glimmer of hope that remained even after his folly—but for the first time in a long while, Quirrell felt a sense of relief.
"Thank you."
"No need to thank me, Senior Quirrell. From the moment you gathered the courage to resist Voldemort, regardless of success or failure, you became one of us."
Quirrell was stunned. He suddenly understood what Professor Flitwick had meant when he visited him, describing Ryan's personality—that he only cared for those he deemed worthy of care.
Just like that night in the Forbidden Forest when Ryan had come to find him.
The discharge process went smoothly.
Quirrell's vital signs were normal; he fully met the criteria for release.
What Quirrell couldn't let go of was the fact that his injuries had compromised his ability to be a wizard, that his shortsightedness and stupidity had nearly caused a catastrophe.
What trapped him was himself, not this small hospital wing.
Diagon Alley.
The entrance to Ollivanders Wand Shop was packed with people, making the already narrow street even more congested.
These people were not dressed in fine clothes. They squatted or sat directly on the ground beside the shop, watching everyone who entered with eyes full of hope.
They hoped that every wizard who walked out of Ollivanders, especially those carrying a long metal rod, would be smiling, full of hope and vitality.
"So many people."
"Almost every prospective Magi-Metal Wizard in the world with the means to know about this has come here."
Ryan and Quirrell appeared at the end of the street.
Quirrell was surprised by the size of the crowd. In his understanding, Squibs were a very rare group. The only Squib he had ever known growing up was Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker. "I thought there were very few Squibs."
Ryan pulled his hood up tight, obscuring his face. He was here to help Quirrell choose a wand, and time was tight; he couldn't stop to chat with the pilgrims.
"Unseen, untouchable, their very existence unknown. Naturally, no one cares about their joys or sorrows. In reality, the vast majority of Squibs identify as ordinary people, not wizards. Yet in every Ministry's propaganda, they say Squibs shouldn't forget the glory of wizards, that Squibs are part of the wizarding community. How ironic."
"I won't wear a hood," Quirrell said. "Give these people a little confidence." He realized Ryan was worried about delays.
If the "Father of Magi-Metal Wizards" appeared at their holy site, Ollivanders, the commotion would trap them there all day. Reporters would swarm the place before tomorrow morning, blocking every exit.
"Thank you."
The two passed through the gauntlet of eager gazes and pushed open the door to Ollivanders.
As the door slowly closed, shutting out the view of the "land of light and hope," it couldn't block the boiling excitement of the crowd outside.
A long time passed. When the door opened again, the people waiting saw a hoodless wizard with a very pale face struggling to lift an iron rod.
The moment he stepped out, a burst of stunning color erupted from the end of the rod. A stream of clear water gushed forth, transforming into a brilliant rainbow that arched across the sky.
"Good!"
"Bravo!"
Countless cheers rang out, accompanied by applause.
Everyone remembered this pale-faced wizard who could cast such complex magic. He became one of their spiritual idols.
Having left Ollivanders, the Father of Magi-Metal Wizards and the Spiritual Idol of Magi-Metal Wizards arrived at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. They asked a passing student where to find Madame Maxime.
"Professor Ryan? And this is...?" Fleur Delacour was the lucky student who spotted the elusive professor.
Although this professor looked to be about their age and was a student at another school, all the students at Beauxbatons trusted him implicitly.
The reason was simple: at such a young age, he was already the personal disciple of Master Nicolas Flamel and deeply trusted by Dumbledore. His magical attainments and moral character were guaranteed.
Students whispered that this alchemy professor was far more innovative than their original one, constantly coming up with new ideas and creations. Under his leadership, a wave of "new alchemy" had swept through Beauxbatons.
Fleur was one of them. Although her alchemy skills were... lacking (she understood maybe one thing out of ten), she had used the concepts to magically improve Muggle skincare products, which became a huge hit at the school.
"This is Professor Quirrell from Hogwarts. We're here to see Madame Maxime," Ryan said.
"Madame Maxime is in her office. Please, follow me."
Since he was a Hogwarts professor, Ryan was clearly here on official business. So, even though Fleur wanted to chat with him, she didn't linger, not wanting to delay him.
The three of them made their way to the Headmistress's office. Fortunately, Beauxbatons didn't have stone gargoyles guarding the door or passwords, and Fleur had "face-scanning" privileges with Madame Maxime, so Ryan and Quirrell entered easily.
"Our professor has returned? What is it this time?"
Maxime looked up, swallowing the greeting she had intended for Fleur.
"Headmistress, the Professor has business with you. This is Professor Quirrell from Hogwarts. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Fleur said, knowing she wasn't qualified to participate in the professors' discussion.
To her surprise, Madame Maxime stopped her. She stood up, took Fleur by the hand, and introduced her to Quirrell. "This is Beauxbatons' most outstanding student, Fleur Delacour. She is also the only student helping out at the Squib... er, the Magi-Metal Wizard Education Center."
~~~
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