Fleur & Gabrielle's Competition Intensifies
For the rest of the day at the Delacour mansion, Fleur and Gabrielle were in full competition mode.
Fleur's Attempts
She showed Keith her Veela-enhanced dance forms. Demonstrated a charm spell that created floating silver butterflies. Even tried to teach Keith elegant French pronunciations—while leaning very close.
Gabrielle's Attempts
She proudly demonstrated her water magic. Pulled Keith to taste the sweets she baked herself. And kept holding Keith's hand the entire tour like a tiny, determined guardian.
Whenever Fleur tried to pull Keith away—
Gabrielle latched onto Keith's waist.
Whenever Gabrielle tried to get Keith alone—
Fleur draped her arm around Keith's shoulder.
Both sisters ended the day exhausted but satisfied that they had Keith's attention.
Meanwhile…
Perenelle and Apolline watched the chaos like gossiping aunties.
"So… two more girls have joined the competition," Apolline smirked.
"Wonderful. Nicolas will be furious he missed all this," Perenelle sighed.
Back at the Flamel Mansion – Two More Days
Keith spent two more days with the Flamels before the holidays ended.
Daytime
Cooking with Perenelle Learning alchemy with Nicolas Calm moments of reading Lucien's grimoire Nicolas and Keith arguing over alchemical formulas like father and son
Nighttime
Perenelle would fuss over Keith:
"Are you eating enough?" "Do you need warmer clothes?" "Do you want another blanket?"
Nicolas wasn't jealous at all.
…Mostly.
…Okay, he was absolutely jealous.
The Day Keith Leaves — The Flamels Break Down
When Keith packed his luggage and announced he'd return to Hogwarts, the Flamel mansion turned gloomy.
Nicolas stood stiff, trying to act dignified.
Perenelle looked a moment away from tears.
"Must you leave so soon, dear?"
"School calls," Keith smiled gently.
They were devastated.
Keith's Christmas Gift
Before leaving, Keith snapped his fingers.
A burst of divine light filled the lab—
And Ho-Oh appeared, in all its rainbow splendour.
A phoenix far grander, purer, and holier than Fawkes.
Perenelle gasped.
Nicolas stumbled backward.
"I-Is that… a divine phoenix?"
Ho-Oh chirped proudly.
Keith stepped aside.
"This is my Christmas gift to you both."
Then he spoke to Ho-Oh:
"Use Holy Flame on them."
Ho-Oh spread its wings.
A gentle, warm, rainbow-tinted flame enveloped Nicolas and Perenelle.
They didn't feel pain—only comfort, like their souls were being reborn.
After 30 minutes, as the light faded…
Both of them now looked around 30 years old.
Vibrant. Youthful. Overflowing with magic.
The Reaction
Perenelle stared at her hands, speechless.
Nicolas touched his face, shocked.
Then they both rushed and hugged Keith tightly.
"Thank you, Keith… this… this is the best gift we've ever received."
"Ho-Oh approved you," Keith said with a smile.
"So the blessing will last permanently."
Perenelle cried a little.
Nicolas pretended he wasn't crying. (He definitely was.)
The Farewell
Perenelle cupped Keith's cheek.
"Come visit us often, my dear."
Nicolas attempted to retain dignity but failed.
"Do not forget your old alchemy partner!"
Keith nodded, bowed politely, and turned away—Ho-Oh vanishing in a swirl of light.
As he walked toward the portkey back to England…
Both Flamels stood outside their mansion, watching like proud, re-youthened grandparents seeing off their favourite grandson.