Marvel: Trading with Worlds

"Why is it you again? If you have time to come to me, why don't you go to Beauxbatons and seek help from a few pure-blood families? With their family background and financial resources, if even a few of them are willing to support the Delacour family, you'd have a way out," Kain said as he opened the door.

Standing outside, Fleur held a box of pastries. Kain frowned and added, "If you think relying on such methods will work, you're far too naive. Do you expect others to show mercy and let you go in the business world?

"Once the compensation is done, the French branch of the Kain Potion Material Store might still cannibalize the Delacour family's business. By then, you may not even be able to keep your store. The business, networks, and everything else will likely be taken over by my people."

Fleur smiled, her Veela charm subtly radiating through her expression. 

Raising the dessert box slightly, she said, "I came to ask you a few questions about black magic. I also thought I'd bring you some dessert, Professor pent."

Kain didn't spare her a glance, but Fleur suddenly noticed something different about his demeanor, an imposing temperament that quickened her breath.

Kain replied flatly, "If you have questions, just ask."

As the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, Kain had to answer students' inquiries unless they involved forbidden knowledge or topics beyond his understanding. 

With Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students currently participating in the exchange program at Hogwarts, Fleur's visit wasn't entirely unexpected.

After receiving his permission, Fleur stepped inside, set the dessert box on his desk, and asked, "I wanted to know more about defensive curses and their countermeasures."

Kain considered her question for a moment before replying, "If you're asking about this, it seems you're considering becoming an Auror in the future. Strictly speaking, all curses are a type of curse magic, but they can vary greatly in effect.

"Some curses have immediate and visible effects, while others are subtle and harder to detect. The latter belong to a category of nuanced curse magic—"

Suddenly, the sharp sound of something scratching the door interrupted him. A moment later, weak meowing followed.

Kain paused, waved his hand to open the office door, and a small black figure darted inside. It ran straight to him, leapt onto his lap, and meowed softly before curling up and relaxing.

"Is this... a student's pet?" Fleur asked curiously, watching the black cat. 

Among wizards, black cats often carried ominous connotations. Given that many schools taught subjects like Divination and Astronomy, and with the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries in play, it was rare for such prejudices against black cats to be disregarded.

"Perhaps it belongs to a student," Kain said nonchalantly. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes. Curses that have immediate effects are generally taught and countered in detail during spell classes. However, more insidious curses, often left by magical creatures, require the skill of a Grandmaster to break or heal properly."

Kain's explanation was meticulous, and Fleur listened attentively.

In truth, Kain's current knowledge of magic might not yet rival that of someone like Dumbledore, who had lived for over a century. 

However, his expertise far exceeded that of ordinary wizards. His use of shadow clones to accelerate the accumulation of magical knowledge and his interest in black magic had allowed him to almost completely study Hogwarts' restricted section in just two years.

Now if wearing a cloak, Kain might stood as the Third Generation Dark Lord, the most powerful Dark Lord in history.

After the lesson, Fleur expressed her gratitude. "Thank you for your teaching, Professor Pent. I feel like I've learned a lot today. Although it might not be polite to say this, your explanation of Defense Against the Dark Arts is much better than Professor Wright's at Beauxbatons."

Few people dislike compliments, but Kain was careful not to show any reaction on his face. He replied flatly, "This is my duty. If there's nothing else, let's stop here for today. If you have further questions in the future, you can attend the seventh-year Defense Against the Dark Arts class."

Fleur didn't respond directly to his suggestion but instead asked, "There's one last thing, Professor Pent. It's said that during the Triwizard Tournament, there will be a friendly exchange party on Christmas Eve. Could I invite you to be my dance partner?"

"That day..." Kain began to reply, but before he could finish, the black cat on his lap suddenly stood up and let out a loud meow. 

Without hesitation, Kain grabbed the scruff of its neck, gently yet firmly placing it on the floor.

"There may not be much time that day," he continued. "And as a student, it would be more appropriate for you to find another student as your dance partner. If you don't have any further questions, please excuse me. I have other matters to attend to."

The dismissal was clear. Understanding that her time with Kain had reached its limit, Fleur rose, offered a polite bow, and left the office slowly.

After she was gone, Kain turned his attention back to the black cat. "What's the matter with this cat? There's no sign of mistreatment, yet it comes here every day," he muttered.

He lifted the cat onto his desk and used Transfiguration to create a nameplate, which he hung around its neck. The inscription read:

'The owner of this cat should report to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office on the third floor.'

"If necessary, I might even consider buying this cat," Kain added to himself.

Reaching into his desk drawer, Kain retrieved a piece of dried fish he had prepared in advance. This wasn't the first time the black cat had visited, so he'd taken to keeping food for it. 

He thoughtfully heated the fish with a small flame spell, releasing a fragrant, charred aroma that even he found appetizing. But the cat merely sniffed it, then jumped onto the nearby sofa to rest.

"Ungrateful creature," Kain muttered, shaking his head. He let the matter go and assigned several of his Shadow Clones to work on crafting magical items. 

Meanwhile, he turned his focus back to his primary research: constructing the source of magical power.

From the corner of his eye, Kain noticed the black cat watching him, its pupils narrowing into sharp vertical slits. The creature seemed astonished by what it was witnessing. 

'Is this the cloning magic the godfather mentioned?' it wondered. The intricate runes and spiraling designs Kain was drawing appeared to be a complex combination of ancient and modern symbols.

However, the black cat's curiosity eventually waned. Exhausted from its own day—attending classes, brewing potions, and even assisting "those two fools" with strategies for the tournament—the creature yawned and fell asleep on the sofa.

Occasionally, it also had to patrol the grounds in its Animagus form. 'After the Triwizard Tournament, I'll need a proper rest,' it thought sleepily before dozing off.

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