Everyday Life of a Top Student at Hogwarts

Chapter 135 The Magic Market and the Egg of the Starry Night

Chapter 135 The Magic Market and the Egg of the Starry Night

After spending several fulfilling days of study and family time at the "Quiet Abode," Nico suggested revisiting the Magic Market in Paris.

He personally accompanied them this time, along with Mrs. Perenel and Sarah, to provide the Hawthorne family with more in-depth guidance.

This time, they chose a more distinctive and larger market. It was located in an area cleverly hidden by magic on the banks of the Seine, with the entrance being an inconspicuous carved wooden door embedded in the arch of an ancient stone bridge. Stepping through the wooden door felt like instantly entering a bizarre and fantastical dream.

The main part of the market is a huge, open-air or semi-open-air courtyard structure, composed of many platforms, corridors, and vaulted ceilings of varying heights. Stalls line the streets, spreading out along the cobblestone paths and winding staircases. This place is more bustling than the previous one, and the goods are more geared towards alchemists, potion makers, and seasoned collectors. The air is filled with a mixture of strange smells: the fresh scent of dried herbs, the metallic aroma of rare minerals, the fishy smell of magical creature products, and the fragrant or pungent fumes emanating from various potions being cooked or brewed.

Karen came prepared. He had prepared Galon in his pocket beforehand, and his goal was to pick out some gifts for his roommates.

"For Wesley," Cullen's gaze swept across the bustling stalls. Soon, he was drawn to a stall selling Quidditch souvenirs.

The booth displayed various team badges and tokens, as well as exquisitely crafted team models. Karen took a liking to a miniature model of the famous French Quakes, the Gibraltar. It was made of mithril and brightly colored enamel, and was incredibly detailed. Even more impressively, the booth owner demonstrated that by simply uttering the incantation "Voler!", the seven players on the model would leap into the air on broomsticks, simulating several classic offensive formations and tactical plays within a few feet above the booth, their movements fluid and realistic.

"This is great!" Karen's eyes lit up; Wesley would definitely love it. He readily paid for it.

Next was Fabian. Karen knew Fabian was interested in herbalism and magical creatures. He went to a stall that specialized in selling seeds and seedlings of magical plants. The stall was filled with all sorts of unusual potted plants and small bags. Karen carefully selected a small packet of seeds called "Moonlight Water Lily."

This water lily is said to bloom only on full moon nights, its petals emitting a soft silver glow and attracting fireflies. He even inquired with the stall owner and learned that the plant is relatively mild, suitable for cultivation in the Hogwarts Greenhouse or the Eagle's Nest, and pairs perfectly with moonshine moss provided with ample water and moonlight. The stall owner also included a small bag of potting soil. Karen felt this suited Fabian's gentle yet curious nature perfectly.

Karen put a little thought into the gift for Ernesto. Ernesto loved stargazing but had no interest in divination. Karen lingered for a long time at a stall specializing in astronomical instruments and magical observation tools. Finally, he settled on a fist-sized, deep purple crystal ball whose interior seemed to contain swirling nebulae.

The vendor explained that this is a special recording crystal ball. On a clear night, the user can point the crystal ball at the starry sky, recite a specific incantation, and it will record the star map seen in the current field of view completely, storing it inside the crystal. When needed, activating the crystal again will project a clear, three-dimensional image of the star map onto it. However, the vendor also frankly admitted that the storage capacity of this crystal is limited, and it can only record a maximum of five observations. If a sixth observation is recorded, the earliest record will be overwritten and lost.

"Five records are enough," Karen thought. "It'll allow Ernesto to record what he considers the most important discoveries or unusual celestial phenomena for research, instead of making aimless guesses like Zhan Xiake." He paid and carefully put away the crystal ball.

Karen was in a good mood after buying gifts for her roommates. They continued to stroll through the market. Emily was drawn to some magical candles with a calming scent and vines that automatically wove garlands; David was very interested in a stall displaying various magical locks and intricate mechanical gadgets; and Lily pestered Mrs. Perenel for a magical whistle that could mimic the songs of birds.

Just then, Karen's gaze was drawn to a stall selling magical eggs. The old stall owner sat there, displaying various shimmering, egg-shaped items in front of him. Karen immediately recognized them as similar to the "Starry Night Egg" eggs he had bought during his last Easter.

Karen's heart stirred, and she took out the "Starry Night Egg" from her small bag. It was still the same as before, the eggshell as smooth as jade, and silver stardust slowly flowing on the deep blue background, like a miniature universe.

"Hello, sir," Karen greeted politely as she approached the stall. "I bought a very similar Easter egg at another market, this 'Starry Night Egg.'"

The old stall owner raised his wrinkled face, squinted at the Easter egg in Karen's hand, then looked at Karen, seemingly familiar with this type of egg, and revealed a gap-toothed grin: "Ah! It's this type of Easter egg, young man. How about it, has your 'little universe' hatched any surprises?"

Karen shook her head somewhat sheepishly: "Not yet, sir. It hasn't done anything. I tried putting it in the moonlight..."

I also tried channeling a little gentle magic, but it seems to have fallen asleep?

The old stall owner chuckled, his voice hoarse: "Don't rush, young man. Magic eggs, especially those of the 'Starry Night Egg,' have no timetable for 'hatching.' Each egg may contain a unique, slowly forming magical life form, or a complex magical phenomenon that requires specific conditions to trigger. It can't be rushed."

At this moment, Nico also walked over, looking at the Easter egg in Karen's hand with great interest.

"Mr. Nico," Karen exclaimed, as if seeing a savior, "look at this. I bought it for Easter, and it hasn't shown any effect at all. The shopkeeper said we can't rush it."

Nico took the egg, his aged fingers gently tracing its surface, sensing the faint magic flowing within. After a moment, he returned the egg to Karen, a gentle and knowing smile on his face.

“The boss is right, Karen.” Nico’s voice was steady and soothing. “I’ve seen similar ‘Starry Night Eggs’ when I was young. They are among the most patient and discerning of Easter eggs. They don’t need intense stimulation, but rather continuous, gentle nourishment and—resonance.”

"Resonance?" Karen asked, puzzled.

“Yes,” Nico nodded. “Think of it as a sleeping spirit, sensitive to a specific ‘frequency.’ Placing it in the moonlight is correct; moonlight is one of its preferred energies. Infusing it with gentle magic is also a good approach. But more importantly, you need to carry it with you, let it become familiar with your magical field, sense your emotional fluctuations, and experience your curiosity about the world and your thirst for knowledge. Like nurturing the most delicate magical plant, it requires time, patience, and a connection of hearts.”

Then he paused, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes, "Some Easter eggs even stay with their collectors for decades before suddenly blossoming into stunning beauty. The longest record I've heard of is a full 52 years. So, there's no need to be anxious. Treat it as a companion, a source of comfort, and let nature take its course. When it feels the time is right, when it truly resonates with your 'frequency,' the change will come naturally. Forcing it might backfire."

The stall owner nodded repeatedly, "Mr. Lemaître is absolutely right! That's exactly the point! Young man, listen to the master, be patient."

Good things are worth the wait!

Karen looked at the warm "Starry Night Egg" in his hand and listened to Nico's wise words of comfort. The faint anxiety in his heart slowly subsided. Then he carefully put the egg back into his bag and put it close to his body.

As the sun set, the Hawthorne family returned home laden with their purchases. David carried a small, intricately designed magic puzzle lock that automatically opened and closed; Emily chose a small jar of calming lavender moonshine oil; Lily had finally gotten her wish for the singing magic whistle and was happily whistling off-key tunes; and Karen carried gifts for her roommates.

They returned to Quiet House by carriage, the city lights of Paris twinkling outside the window. Karen knew his magical summer journey continued, his alchemy studies deepening, and these magical days shared with his family would become one of his most precious treasures. Returning to Hogwarts was still a long way off, but the gifts he had prepared for his friends already made him look forward to reuniting with them in the new school term.