Alchemy

Tunnel vision

'Charlie would know people.'

This was the only thought circling the young Kyle's mind as he lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. On one hand, he didn't want any more people to know the massive amount of shit he'd gotten himself into. On the other, he wanted to be able to say he pulled this frankly impossible task off.

Kyle reached his hand under his pillow and pulled out his phone. The small screen that caused so much trouble. He felt angry for a moment, then told himself of the good things it bought him too. It bought him closer to Dan.

The tired boy unlocked his phone, squinting at its bright light. He dimmed the screen and scrolled back through his many text conversations with Dan. The older boy knew so much about him now... Kyle realised how much he trusted Dan.

'u able to ask Charlo smth 4 me?' Kyle typed in a sleepy haze.

Three dots appeared and animated themselves as Dan typed on his own phone.

'Kyle... it's like 2am can it wait til morning the dude's asleep'

'i guess. why arent u asleep?'

'Why aren't you?'

'fair point danny'

The pair texted for a short while longer. Kyle dared not bring up the demanding letter, but his gut twisted as he thought about it while speaking to the Hufflepuff that he loved (although he wouldn't admit that out loud). Kyle feared what would happen to Dan if the demand of the mysterious 'L.P.' was not met.

He bit his lip. 'night daniel x' he texted, then locked his phone and returned it to beneath his pillow. He was going to ask Charlie if he knew anything, then go get that egg alone. To keep Dan safe from harm.

- - - - -

Kyle rolled over and checked the time on the wall clock. 9:50. He'd woken up later than he wanted to. He quickly got dressed and walked quickly through the corridors of the building. He arrived at The Paddock just as Charlie was preparing to leave. 

'Charlie?' Kyle called to the younger boy. Charlie jumped slightly and turned to face Kyle. His scarf was wrapped around half of his face.

'Alright, Kyle?' Charlie replied, half muffled by the scarf. The hippogriff behind him gave out a huff, breath misting in the cold autumn air, and trotted away as no more petting from Charlie was forthcoming.

'You know any dragon people?' asked the older boy.

'... Do you mean people who are dragons, or dragonologists?' Charlie asked back, pulling the scarf down from in front of his mouth.

'The latter.'

'Obviously.'

'Can you send any of them an owl for me? Or tell me where to send an owl to.'

Charlie raised an eyebrow. 'They don't live far if you wanted to come with me to meet them face-to-face.' Kyle smiled and nodded. 'Not sure why you want to, though.'

'... Personal... reasons...' Kyle tried to brush off the question. Charlie shrugged. The pair chatted some more as they walked back to the main campus building so Charlie could send an owl ahead of their visit.

- - - - -

Dan had found himself wandering back towards the black market, alone. He did it on a whim, hoping to find that dealer and see if he could offer some help as to how Kyle was meant to acquire a dragon egg.