It was the second day of the new semester.
The announcement for the Three-School Exchange Tournament had finally been posted on the bulletin board in the Great Hall. Groups of young witches and wizards huddled around, craned their necks, and scanned the details.
The tournament was a joint effort between Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang, with the host site being Beauxbatons, nestled deep in the Pyrenees mountains. The competition was set to kick off in ten days and would last for two weeks.
"Wait, the theme is Alchemy? Well, there goes our chance..."
The initial excitement vanished the moment the students saw the subject matter, replaced by a wave of groans and complaints. At Hogwarts, Alchemy was an elective reserved only for sixth and seventh-year students. While a few students had a head start thanks to family traditions or personal hobbies, they were a tiny minority. For the younger students, it was just a show they wouldn't be able to join.
"I was really hoping to go and see the sights. Beauxbatons is such a famous school!"
"See the sights? You just want an excuse to skip classes, don't you?"
"Hey, that's harsh! Don't call me out like that..."
The Great Hall was buzzing with chatter. Lucien and Draco Malfoy happened to pass through after a joint Slytherin-Ravenclaw class and stopped to read the notice.
"Hey, Lucien," Malfoy said, nudging him. "Are you going to enter? With your skills, you'd probably win the whole thing easily, right?"
Lucien had already released several magical gadgets throughout the school this term, so Malfoy knew firsthand that his friend's alchemical talent was miles ahead of anyone their age. Over Christmas, Lucius Malfoy had even sent Draco a specialized protective amulet. When Draco checked the brand, it turned out to be a Lucien Original.
To pure-blood aristocrats, items that could automatically trigger defensive magic were priceless treasures. The more money and power you have, the more you want to make sure you stay alive to enjoy it.
"There are plenty of talented people out there," Lucien replied calmly. "I'll have to get through the school qualifiers first."
Each school was allowed only two representatives, so Hogwarts was holding internal trials to pick their team. Although Dumbledore had already discussed the spot with Lucien privately, they still had to go through the official motions for the sake of appearances.
Beyond the emotional energy Dumbledore had promised him for participating, Lucien was genuinely curious about the other schools. He wanted to see how they approached magic.
Malfoy sighed. "You're way too modest. I wish I could go, but Alchemy gives me a headache. I don't stand a chance."
Lucien looked at him. "Why? Are you that curious about Beauxbatons?"
Malfoy shook his head. "Not really. I'm actually more curious about Durmstrang. My father almost sent me there, for... well, you know why."
Lucien knew exactly what he meant. Durmstrang was famous—or infamous—for its tolerant attitude toward the Dark Arts, which were actually part of the curriculum. Plus, the school refused to admit Muggle-borns. It was basically the dream school for pure-blood parents: you could study Dark Magic and practice blood-purism in broad daylight.
"So, why didn't you go?"
Malfoy shrugged helplessly. "My mother thought it was too far away."
Lucien nodded. Spoken like a truly overprotective mother.
"By the way, Lucien," Daphne interrupted, her face lighting up with excitement. "Have you heard of the Fountain of Fair Ladies at Beauxbatons?"
"The what?" Lucien looked at her, confused.
Daphne started talking a mile a minute. "It's a magical fountain right in the center of Beauxbatons! It has incredible beauty properties. They say if you bathe in its waters regularly, it makes you look younger and more beautiful... and it was supposedly built by the legendary alchemist Nicolas Flamel!"
Hearing his teacher's name, Lucien suddenly remembered. Nicolas had mentioned the fountain once, but his description was much more practical. He had just said the water was very pure and excellent for removing dirt. As for "making you younger and more beautiful," Lucien suspected that part might be a bit of an exaggeration.
Still, seeing the sparkle in Daphne's eyes, he asked, "Would you like me to bring some of the water back for you?"
"Yes! Please!" Daphne nodded vigorously, then quickly realized she was being a bit too eager. She smoothed her hair and lowered her voice. "I mean... thank you, Lucien. That would be lovely."
She had total faith that he would win the qualifiers. Ever since Lucien had slain the Basilisk and earned an Order of Merlin, First Class, Daphne was convinced there was absolutely nothing he couldn't do.
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