After learning that everyone else had already left, Kyle was about to pack up and head back himself when Nicolas Flamel shook his head and said,
"There's no need to hurry, Kyle. You can stay here for a while if you like."
"And I heard from Albus that you've taught yourself some alchemy and invented a rather interesting little gadget. It has something to do with Quidditch, doesn't it? May I take a look?"
"Well, yes... though I'm not sure if it really qualifies as alchemy," Kyle replied, pulling a transparent snake bracelet from his Mokeskin pouch—the same type he had once sold to Malfoy for 100 Galleons. Since then, he'd received a few more orders, though not many; only five, as a hundred Galleons was no small sum. Even for Slytherins, few would spend so much on a "toy."
This bracelet was something he'd made in advance, ready to use as a way to attract new customers when the school term began. It was also the only item related to alchemy he currently had on him.
Nicolas took the bracelet and raised his eyebrows, a hint of surprise showing on his face.
"To embed a Charm into a solid object... yes, this is indeed alchemy."
"I think you've read that book, Alchemy, Ancient Art and Science," he added.
Kyle nodded. "I stumbled across it in the school library."
"It's an excellent book on alchemy," Nicolas said thoughtfully. "Though some ideas in it differ from mainstream alchemical thought, it's very beneficial for beginners."
Nicolas ran his fingers gently over the bracelet. "It's impressive you've developed such a solid foundation; I can only spot a few minor flaws. It seems you're quite interested in alchemy."
Kyle nodded without hesitation. "Yes."
Of course, he had to show interest now. Admitting he was studying alchemy to research Horcruxes would hardly go over well. Kyle had no interest in pursuing his studies in Nurmengard. Besides, as the creator of the Philosopher's Stone, Nicolas Flamel's expertise in alchemy was beyond anyone's imagination. Even if he taught only a few tricks on a whim, it would be an invaluable treasure for Kyle.
"Good, then come with me." Nicolas returned the bracelet to him and led Kyle to a circular room. There was little furniture here, just a few tables; the rest of the space was filled with books. An astonishing number of them.
Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves extended as far as the eye could see, stacked neatly from the floor up.
Nicolas gestured to the shelves. "There are many alchemy books here, as well as notes from my earlier years. If you're interested, feel free to look through them anytime."
Kyle looked up at the vast array of books in awe. "Are all of these about alchemy?" he asked incredulously.
"Not at all—only a few."
Nicolas pulled a worn copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard from a nearby shelf. "If you want to read something else, you can find it here too, whatever you like."
"It's like having a library in your own home..." Kyle muttered.
"Not quite—just my personal collection." Nicolas placed the book back on the shelf. "I began gathering books in my early years and kept them here. At first, there were only a few shelves, but over time, they grew and grew, until it became ."
This was only from the early years?
Kyle couldn't help but marvel. Even just the collection in front of him was already larger than the Hogwarts library.
Nicolas, however, seemed eager to return to the opera. With a few parting words, he took a few small steps toward the door. Before leaving, he called for a House-elf.
"Tata knows the location of every book here. If you're looking for something in particular... just ask it."
The door closed behind him, leaving Kyle alone with Tata, the House-elf, who stared back at him expectantly.
A moment later, Kyle asked hesitantly, "You know where all these books are?"
"Of course, my honored guest," Tata replied proudly. "As a qualified House-elf, I must be able to locate whatever my master needs at any time. Though it may be difficult, Tata can manage it."
"Could you help me find One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi?" Kyle asked, testing her claim.
With a snap of her fingers, a thick book appeared on the nearby table.
"I also need Alchemy, Ancient Art and Science."
Another loud snap, and the book—typically kept in Hogwarts' Restricted Section—materialized on the table as well. Kyle picked it up and leafed through it briefly; the content was identical to the copy he had seen before.
"What about Stir the Soul's Depths?" Kyle asked, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully.
The familiar snapping sound echoed again, but this time, nothing appeared on the table.
"Please forgive me, distinguished guest!" Tata quickly bowed low, her long nose nearly brushing the floor. "You cannot see that book!"
"Can't see it..." Kyle frowned. "At all?"
"It's on the 23rd floor, the 97th row on the left," Tata responded with precision, "but you cannot see it, so Tata cannot bring it to you."
Kyle realized that this library, too, seemed to have a restricted section of its own. For a moment, he considered searching for Secrets of the Darkest Art, a book he'd been eager to find. But given Nicolas Flamel's close relationship with Dumbledore, he quickly dismissed the idea. He already knew the basics of creating a Horcrux from Voldemort, so there was no need to take that risk.
"That's all right, Tata. I didn't really want to read that book anyway," Kyle said, refocusing. "Can you help me find Nicolas's notes? Just the basics."
Tata straightened up. With a series of crackling sounds, like tiny firecrackers, the table was soon covered with a variety of well-preserved notebooks, parchments, and slates.
Kyle eagerly flipped through them, only to discover that he couldn't understand any of it. The symbols were unfamiliar, completely indecipherable. It was as though Nicolas Flamel had leapt from the basics of alchemy straight to advanced research, skipping over everything in between—and those blank spaces were exactly what Kyle needed.
"Do you have anything even earlier than this?" Kyle asked, frowning.
Running out of options, Kyle shifted his approach. "Can you bring me the books Nicolas has written himself?"
This time, Tata returned with something more accessible.
The Principles of Alchemical Exchange.
This was an alchemy textbook Nicolas Flamel had written long ago specifically for Beauxbatons. And it was exactly what Kyle needed.