The Thestral-drawn carriage glided through the clouds until dusk, when it gradually slowed, descending back to solid ground. Kyle stepped out, taking in his surroundings with curiosity.
He was in Devon, a familiar region—St. Catchpole Village was in Devon too. However, this place was unknown to him. They seemed to be at the very edge of the county, far from St. Catchpole, close enough to hear the faint crash of waves in the distance.
"Sir, welcome," said a sharp, familiar voice with a German accent.
Kyle looked down to find a House-elf wearing an outfit like no other: a flowered shirt, goggles perched on its forehead, and mismatched leather shoes.
"Tata? What are you wearing this time?" Kyle asked, bemused.
This was Tata, Nicolas Flamel's House-elf. Unlike most House-elves, Tata took to wearing clothes willingly, and Nicolas had provided it with an entire wardrobe. But today's look—floral shirt, goggles, and mismatched buttons—was especially eclectic. Back in Paris, Tata's outfits had been far more subdued.
"Master said I should try something different," Tata replied, adjusting the shirt proudly. "What do you think, sir?"
"Well... it's unique," Kyle said, giving him a thumbs-up. "You'd definitely stand out in a crowd—probably 90% of wizards couldn't pull it off like you do."
Pleased, Tata adjusted his clothes with a satisfied tug but soon remembered his task. "Sir, please follow me," he said with a small bow, gesturing for Kyle to walk with him.
Kyle took the Thestrals' reins and followed Tata. After only a few steps, the empty gravel-strewn lot transformed, revealing a grand manor house surrounded by lush meadow. Flowers and plants Kyle couldn't name dotted the landscape, creating a vibrant garden.
Near the entrance stood two intricately crafted stone statues of dragons, so realistic they seemed almost alive. At this point, the Thestrals refused to go any further, no matter how much Kyle tried to coax them.
"It's all right, sir. It's safe here, and Tata will see to them," Tata assured him.
Kyle thought for a moment before untying the reins, allowing the Thestrals to roam freely. "There's food in the carriage. I'll bring more later."
One of the Thestrals snorted and approached Kyle, nuzzling his arm affectionately. Smiling, Kyle gave it a gentle pat before following Tata toward the manor.
As they stepped inside, Kyle realized the interior was even grander than the outside suggested, rivaling the scale of Hogwarts. A watering can with two stubby legs passed by them, bobbing cheerfully as it watered the plants on either side of the walkway.
"Hey, mind your manners—we have guests," Tata said disapprovingly, eyeing the watering can.
The watering can stopped abruptly, and its spout bent in an almost apologetic bow. A kettle apologizing? Kyle felt like a hundred Mooncalves were dancing in his heart. It was as if he had stepped into one of Merlin's own tales! Then again, with Nicolas Flamel as the owner, it somehow made sense.
"Don't mind that rude little thing," Tata continued, leading Kyle onward.
As they walked, Kyle spotted other curious scenes: a pair of scissors pruning dead branches, a fountain offering to wash a bird, and even a refrigerator being chased by a Kneazle. Kyle suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Mr. Weasley—Nicolas really did own a refrigerator that could run! It was trying to ward off the Kneazle by tossing ice cubes at it. What a sight.
They finally climbed a staircase where Nicolas Flamel stood waiting, grinning broadly beside an equally white-haired witch—his wife, Perenelle, who was also over six hundred years old.
"Long time no see, my boy," Nicolas said warmly, giving Kyle a hearty pat on the shoulder.
A soft crackling sound made Kyle wince, thinking he might've broken something.
"Careful, that's the third shoulder this year," Perenelle teased, tapping her husband's wrist.
"I know, I know," Nicolas chuckled, leading Kyle further inside.
To Kyle's surprise, the grand room was empty except for the three of them. He'd half-expected to see some familiar faces—perhaps McPhail, whom he'd met in Paris, or even Madame Maxime, the headmaster of Beauxbatons, who had once tried to recruit him.
"Don't be surprised," Nicolas said, as if reading his thoughts. "A few friends have wanted to join us for Christmas before, but I don't see the point. To me, holidays are no different from any other day."
Having lived for over six centuries, Nicolas seemed to view all days as equal—holidays were just another page in time's long story.
He led Kyle into a cozy sitting room. A chair in the corner promptly slid over to the table, while a teapot poured a steaming cup of tea with a polite tip of its spout.
"It's funny," Nicolas said as he settled into an armchair. "Just the other day, I was about to invite you here when I received a letter from you via Albus."
Nicolas handed Kyle a gold pocket watch with five hands. "I have to admit, you've given me quite the puzzle..."
"What do you mean?" Kyle asked, puzzled.
Nicolas smiled, handing him the pocket watch. "Last year, Albus came here and insisted I repair this, looking more anxious than he did a hundred years ago when he asked to borrow the Philosopher's Stone."
Kyle's eyes widened. "Is this the Slytherin Time-Turner?"
He took the pocket watch carefully, awe written across his face. Last year, he had seen it in a nearly destroyed state, practically crumbling at a touch. Now, though, it was intact, and sturdy in his hands.
"You repaired it?" Kyle asked in amazement.
Nicolas chuckled. "Not entirely. I only managed to restore the casing. The core runic symbols, though, were created a thousand years ago and are far different from anything in modern rune studies. I've found only scraps of information about them, and restoring them completely is... well, let's say it's a grand challenge."
Though Nicolas spoke with exasperation, he looked delighted, clearly relishing the intricate puzzle.
"But you didn't bring me here just for this, did you?" Kyle handed the Time-Turner back to him.
"Indeed, I need your help," Nicolas said. "I want to know everything you remember from your time-travel experience, especially the beginning and end of the process. The more detailed, the better—it might help me understand those symbols."
"Of course," Kyle nodded.