Escape From the Lab and Parting Gifts
Nicolas Flamel discovered Lucien was missing at precisely the wrong moment.
He looked up from a bubbling cauldron.
"…Lucien?"
No response.
He frowned.
"…Lucien?"
Still nothing.
Nicolas sighed deeply.
"I knew it," he muttered. "Perenelle took him."
The door creaked open just enough for Perenelle to peek in.
"You're upset," she said sweetly.
Nicolas crossed his arms.
"You stole my alchemy partner."
Perenelle smiled.
"You were going to debate for another week."
"…Possibly," Nicolas admitted.
Back at the Delacour Mansion
Before leaving Paris, Lucien stood in the Delacour living room with three simple-looking books stacked neatly in his hands.
"These are for you," he said.
Fleur blinked.
"For us?"
Gabrielle gasped.
"Presents!"
Apolline smiled warmly.
"You didn't have to."
Lucien handed one book to each of them.
"It's called a Wizard Chat Book," he explained calmly.
"It lets you talk to someone instantly, as long as you know their unique ID."
Fleur's eyes sparkled.
"No owls?"
"No owls," Lucien confirmed.
Gabrielle immediately opened hers.
"…How do I talk to you?"
Lucien smiled and showed them how.
Write the name.
Focus.
Wait.
A glowing message appeared.
Hello.
Gabrielle squealed.
"It talks!"
Apolline stared at the page in amazement.
"This… this changes everything."
Lucien nodded.
"It will be released in about a month."
Perenelle clasped her hands happily.
"He made it last week," she said proudly. "With Nicolas."
The room went silent.
"…Last week?" Fleur echoed.
Apolline stared at Lucien like she'd just met a miracle.
"You're a genius," she said flatly.
Lucien shrugged.
"I had help."
Nicolas sniffed.
"Obviously."
Pride (And Mild Chaos)
Perenelle hugged Lucien tightly.
"I'm so proud of you," she said warmly. "My grandson."
Lucien smiled softly.
"I'll visit again soon."
Fleur nodded quickly.
"I'll— we'll be waiting."
Gabrielle waved enthusiastically.
As Lucien stepped outside, Nicolas joined him.
"You escaped my lab," Nicolas said accusingly.
Lucien smiled politely.
"I was rescued."
Nicolas sighed.
"…Next time, you don't escape."
Lucien nodded.
"…I will try."
Paris faded behind him as Lucien prepared to return home.
His bag heavier.
His heart lighter.
And the future—
A little louder.