In the third week at the Fire Dragon Reserve, Kael had already gradually gotten used to this life that was sometimes busy, sometimes relaxed.
More importantly, he'd gained a lot.
These days, just from selling those damaged substandard goods, he'd earned enough for two pairs of Anti-Curse Gloves—a total of one hundred and twenty-five Galleons.
But that's about it…
At the end of the second week, the Fire Dragons had the fiercest and longest-lasting melee yet.
This time, even Kael couldn't take it easy. He followed Newt and Chris, rushing around to treat three injured Fire Dragons—more than the previous two times combined.
And when it was all over, there were only two Fire Dragons left in the sky.
One Hungarian Horntail, and one Ukrainian Ironbelly… not the one Kael had encountered before, this one was even bigger.
They rested for just a day before continuing to fight over the highest cliff.
Most people gathered around, waiting together for the final outcome.
By size, the Ukrainian Ironbelly obviously had the advantage… Charlie said it was about seven tons. Just sitting there, it was many times bigger than the Hungarian Horntail. It looked like an adult dragon with a kid.
But Charlie didn't fancy its chances.
"Though they're both Ukrainian Ironbellies and about the same size, it's got less brains than Pino Senior.
If, when everyone was nearly exhausted earlier, it had grasped that last opportunity, it might have won. But it didn't, and now…"
Charlie shook his head, "Being big means you use up more. One day's rest isn't nearly enough, and the Hungarian Horntail clearly knows that, which is why it attacked early.
…It's got no chance."
The outcome was just as Charlie had said.
After only three hours, that Ukrainian Ironbelly started to slow down, wobbling about in the sky like a sitting duck.
The Hungarian Horntail, like an experienced hunter taking advantage of its speed, quickly took control.
Everyone could see the outcome of the fight was settled; it was just a matter of time.
"Hogwarts must be starting soon, right?" Professor Rockneil, looking a little bored, walked over to Kael and quietly asked, "It's September too, isn't it?"
"September first," said Kael. "Less than two weeks left."
"Once term starts, you'll be fourth year, right?"
"Yes," Kael nodded.
"Interested in transferring to Beauxbatons?" Professor Rockneil suddenly said. "If you come, I guarantee you'll get the best materials in Alchemy Class."
Kael looked at Professor Rockneil, baffled.
I mean, what's with Beauxbatons? Is it their habit to recruit transfers the moment they meet someone?
Their headmistress Maxime does it; the professors do it too… what, is this part of their job training?
"Sorry, I don't have any such plans at the moment."
After a short pause, Kael shook his head, "And I've got O.W.L.s coming up next year—it's really not a good time to transfer."
"No worries, just asking, don't mind me…"
Professor Rockneil waved his hands repeatedly and then leaned close to Kael, whispering, "Actually, Ms.Maxime asked me to bring it up… A few days ago, when I wrote to her, I mentioned what was happening here. Turns out she's really keen to get you to Beauxbatons.
You know her too?"
Truth be told, when Maxime wrote to ask him to poach talent, he was just as bewildered.
He felt it was a bit rude to do so, but for funding, there was no choice.
What he bought wasn't just substandard goods. There was also intact material and Dragon Blood. Those were the big ones.
He didn't get much each time, but the three times together still cost him nearly a thousand Galleons—which he was definitely claiming back from the school.
Which was why, when updating her on the situation, he took the chance to write to Ms.Maxime and discreetly remind her to hurry up with the funds.
Who'd have thought, instead of sending money, she'd give him a side job poaching Hogwarts students…
But anyway, he could consider that done too.
"Ms.Maxime?"
Kael thought for a moment, then said, "I met her once in Paris during the holidays last year."
"Oh… that explains it."
Professor Rockneil looked enlightened. "I remember she rarely leaves France. Ordinarily, she probably wouldn't have any reason to know a young wizard from Hogwarts."
While they were talking, the fight between the two Fire Dragons was nearing its end.
No surprises—the Hungarian Horntail won.
It stood atop the cliff, roaring, belching out mushroom-shaped clouds of flame into the sky.
All around, dragon roars rang out one after another… That was a sign of submission.
"It's finally over," Charlie rubbed his forehead.
He hadn't had a good night's rest in more than a month—he'd been on edge all this time. Now, once he finally relaxed, it felt like he'd been hit hard on the head—he felt awful.
Now they ought to get a few good days' rest.
He still had lots to do after, but that could wait, he could take it easy for now…
"Roar!"
Another dragon roar.
Different from the submissive calls before; this roar was filled with anger.
Charlie jumped, suddenly snapping out of it.
Everyone turned instinctively toward the sound…
It was an Antipodean Opaleye. Instead of lying down like the other Fire Dragons, it hovered in the air, spitting Dragon Flame at the ground in fury.
At the same time, a blinding red light exploded beside it, forming a huge ball-shaped pattern in the sky.
That was the special signal of a Dragon Tamer.
"Damn… those sneaky jackals!"
Charlie immediately mounted his broom and shot off in that direction.
"Someone's making a play for the Dragon Eggs."
Seeming to spot Kael's confusion, Professor Rockneil explained quietly, "That's a special Fire Dragon Reserve signal—red means an unidentified intruder, a circle means Dragon Eggs."
"Should we help?" Kael asked.
"No need, someone's already gone," Chris walked over and shook his head.
"Exactly," Rockneil said with a smile. "The Reserve guessed this would happen. Since two weeks ago, every clutch of Dragon Eggs has someone on guard at all times.
Plus, the Dragon Eggs have special Protective Magic on them—there's no way to Apparate out with them."
As they spoke, more and more Dragon Tamers hurried to the Antipodean Opaleye.
But a few minutes later, two more blasts of red light shot up to the south, then two more to the north…
Signals flared from a total of seven locations, all far apart in different directions.
"So many people—and all at the same time… Looks like they've been planning this for a while."
Chris was a bit surprised, but his expression didn't change at all.
...