HP: Alchemy? Nah, It's Crafting

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"Well... yes, the best performer today is Hufflepuff, especially Cedric. He earned forty-seven points for Hufflepuff—excellent work!"

A week after recovering, during his first class back, Kasenhis generously awarded points to Hufflepuff for various reasons, all using Cedric as the starting point. By the end of class, Hufflepuff had gained a whopping forty-seven points.

It was, without a doubt, a significant haul.

And it was all well-deserved by Cedric.

Yes... absolutely well-deserved.

After finishing the last class of the day, Kasenhis strolled back to his office with a spring in his step—this time openly and without a care in the world.

He no longer had to worry about suddenly encountering young witches giving him those motherly looks at his seemingly thin trousers.

Because wearing thermal underwear was truly uncomfortable.

Once back in his office, his attention was drawn to a package sitting on the windowsill.

"At this time of year, it can't possibly be a Christmas gift..."

Kasenhis muttered, scrutinizing the package with a curious gaze. Soon, he made the same choice as Rita Skeeter would: he constructed a sealed, explosion-proof space using obsidian and then carefully manipulated small blocks inside to open the package.

He pressed his ear against the obsidian barrier, listening intently for any sounds of explosions or traces of dark magic. When all seemed clear, he finally retracted the obsidian shield.

Inside the package was a small redstone figurine, running in place.

Its chest bore a golden lightning bolt, seemingly engraved from gold Galleons.

Inside the package was also a card with four names written on it:

Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville.

"...I'm actually quite touched," Kasenhis murmured as he carefully placed the Flash-like figurine on a corner of his desk.

After enchanting it with durability using the Enchanting Table, he covered it with a glass dome.

"Perfect!"

Knock, knock, knock...

Just as he was leaning back in his office chair, admiring the figurine, the sound of someone knocking on the door interrupted him.

"Come in," Kasenhis called.

"Professor Kasenhis, this is a letter for you. It came from the Owlery," a fifth-year Ravenclaw student said, stepping inside with an envelope in hand.

"Thank you, James. How have you been recently?" Kasenhis asked, taking the letter as James placed it on the desk.

James nodded politely. "I heard you've recovered. Whenever we get to have your lessons, things are great."

"And right now?"

"Right now, well… it's not bad, of course. But with Professor Dumbledore teaching... we can't exactly relax. Not that Professor Dumbledore doesn't teach well—he does—it's just... not as fun."

"Of course, what does Dumbledore know about alchemy anyway?" Kasenhis nodded, looking every bit like a student used to getting scolded by a teacher.

The first time a student is reprimanded, they're timid and afraid to even look up. 

By the fifth time, they've adapted, thinking it's fine if they're not scolded, but okay if they are. 

By the tenth time, they've embraced it, even beginning to enjoy the spotlight-like attention of the teacher's glare.

Kasenhis had clearly reached the last stage. He could now shamelessly declare, "What does Dumbledore know about alchemy anyway?" without a trace of the fear he'd had when first stepping into the magical world as a clueless newcomer.

"I won't let Dumbledore hear about that, don't worry, Professor," James replied with a grin.

"Honestly, it wouldn't be a big deal if he found out," Kasenhis shrugged.

"Then can I tell him?"

"Better not."

"Got it, Professor," James chuckled, giving a small nod before leaving the office, closing the door behind him.

Kasenhis glanced down at the envelope.

It was from the European Alchemy Association. Opening it, he pulled out the letter and scanned the contents. 

The gist: the association was inviting him to France to give a lecture on the Enchanting Table.

As for why it was France... the letter mentioned that Nicolas Flamel would also be attending, but he didn't like traveling too far from home.

Time: This Saturday, 7 p.m., in the Grand Hall of the French Ministry of Magic.

"…Emmm..." 

Kasenhis uncharacteristically fell silent.

It wasn't that he was debating whether or not to go; instead, his gaze shifted toward his wardrobe. 

He was pondering what formal attire to wear for this upcoming boast—er, lecture.

"This one won't do.."

"They took a lot of photos of this one at the previous Association banquet..."

"This one either.."

"I got the medal in this one..."

Pulling every garment out of the wardrobe and inspecting them thoroughly, he realized that all his outfits had either already been worn for significant occasions or were too casual for this event.

"..." 

...

"...Dumbledore! How tall are you?" Kasenhis suddenly burst into Dumbledore's office, asking bluntly.

"Five feet eleven inches, which is roughly one meter eighty. Why?" Dumbledore replied, looking puzzled.

"Stand up for a moment, let me see," Kasenhis insisted.

Dumbledore set down the coffee cup he'd been holding and stood up.

"Is there a problem?" 

"The European Alchemy Association invited me to France to boast, I mean, give a lecture. But I need a new robe for the occasion. The ones I already have have all been worn before, so I'm here to see if you have a formal robe I can borrow," Kasenhis explained.

"Why don't you go to a proper tailor? Or ask Severus?" Dumbledore inquired.

"There's no time... I'm warning you, Dumbledore, I asked Severus how much the previous Alchemy professor was paid, and I suggest you have all those lovely Galleons ready for me by the start of next term!" Kasenhis retorted.

Dumbledore awkwardly tried to change the topic. "I meant borrowing robes from Severus. Also, aren't you capable of making your own through alchemy?"

"I'm not interested in wrecking the fragile financial system of the magical world. Besides, doing so would definitely get me scolded by my peers in the Alchemy Association..." Kasenhis grumbled before muttering under his breath, "As for Severus, I already asked him. He's six centimeters taller than me. Six! He's definitely using shoe lifts!"

Still grumbling, Kasenhis pulled Dumbledore to his feet and stood behind him, back-to-back, straightening his posture for comparison.

"I think it's close enough. Don't you?" Kasenhis asked.

"Fine, follow me. I recall ordering a ready-made set of robes last autumn. I haven't worn them yet, but you can give them a try," Dumbledore replied.

Soon...

"Dumbledore... why do all your clothes... glow?"

Kasenhis asked, baffled.

It wasn't some magical aura from enchantments; it was the literal shimmer of the material.

Elaborate patterns, embedded gemstones, golden threads hidden in embroidery... everything sparkled.

"Are you a Niffler?" 

"...You don't think they look good?"

"..." Kasenhis said nothing, silently and slowly walking out of the headmaster's office.

"You're giving up on the robes?"

"I think, maybe, occasionally crafting a bit of gold might not be entirely unreasonable after all..." He trailed off, his gaze landing on a small pouch sitting on Dumbledore's desk.

He slowly reached over, opened the pouch, and peeked inside.

Dumbledore: "Ahem, just take it away."

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