Barnabas shook his head with a mix of amusement and caution. "He's a bit of a mystery. A poor guy who tried to hide away in the Muggle world like a recluse, but just couldn't let go of being a wizard entirely."
Then, with a more serious tone, she added, "But be careful around him. If he snaps, he can be dangerous. So don't provoke him."
'A wizard trying to give up magic?' Alex raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. 'Why would someone do that?'
Before he could dwell on it, Bones led the group toward their lodging. a five-story Muggle tavern that, despite the name, resembled the Leaky Cauldron more than a typical inn.
Though it operated in the Muggle world, the interior had a clear magical touch. The decor inside reflected the local Middle Eastern style, high ceilings, spacious rooms, and windows carved with intricate hollow patterns.
The place was bustling with people, most of them wizards in robes or colorful foreign garments. They gave Bones and the others a brief glance before returning to their conversations, it was clear they'd already seen all sorts passing through.
Bones walked straight to the counter, where a tall, thin man with a gloomy face stood. Around his neck hung a familiar pendant, a triangle enclosing a circle, with a vertical line through the center. 'The Deathly Hallows symbol', Alex noted silently.
"Martin," Bones greeted, "the British delegation is here, seven people in total. Can you get us sorted with rooms?"
Martin, the tavern's owner, gave them a cold look. "Why is there a dog with you? Think my place isn't chaotic enough already? I don't take animals."
Barnabas immediately snapped back, pointing at a nearby table. "Are you blind? That Ugandan delegate over there brought a black panther!"
Martin scowled. "Of course it's you. How are you still alive after all these years?" Then, rolling his eyes at her, he added, "And clearly you're the blind one. That black panther's an Animagus, you twit. Honestly, how someone like you ended up heading a Ministry department is beyond me."
"Alright, alright," said Bones quickly, noticing Barnabas was about to snap at Martin's remark. He stepped in to smooth things over.
"Martin, be reasonable. There are plenty of wizards here with owls. One dog isn't going to make a difference."
"Owls don't pee or poop on my carpets," Martin shot back, his voice sharp. "Can your dog promise the same? And I don't serve dog food, by the way."
It was like he'd swallowed a whole box of Dungbombs, his temper fouler than a storm cloud.
"This… Mr. Martin, sir, my dog won't be any trouble, I promise," Alex quickly stepped forward, not wanting to start things off on the wrong foot.
"I'll handle all the food myself, and make sure he behaves."
"It's Grenville. You call me Mr. Grenville," Martin snapped, correcting him with a sour expression.
"Since you're so confident, let me make this clear, if your dog so much as bites anything, you'll pay triple the damages. In Galleons."
"No problem," Alex replied at once, trying to stay diplomatic. "Whatever you say."
With a grunt, Grenville tossed three brass keys onto the counter. "Here. Three rooms. Two are suites that sleep three people. Sort it out yourselves."
Barnabas huffed. "I don't remember you being this petty. You've really picked up some nasty habits after spending too much time around Muggles."
Grenville rolled his eyes in response but didn't bother replying.
Barnabas took the keys and turned to the group. "Alright. You three ladies share one room. Alex, you take one by yourself. I'll take the last room with these two." He motioned toward the two silent alchemists in the back.
The two men, who had practically gone unnoticed until now, exchanged a glance and gave a silent shrug. Sharing a room with their team leader was better than getting split up elsewhere.
Once the room assignments were settled, Barnabas continued with their itinerary. "The official Alchemy Conference starts two days from now. It'll run for three days.
Tomorrow night, there's a dinner hosted by the Egyptian Ministry of Magic. Alex, you and I are on the guest list, so don't be late. The rest of you are free to explore."
Vanessa's eyes lit up as she exchanged a look with Medea and Azalea. Clearly, she was already imagining all the places she wanted to visit.
Since they weren't expected to participate in most of the formal events, she was treating this trip more like a holiday.
As everyone made their way to their rooms, Bones followed Alex up and stepped into his.
Though it was a single room, it was surprisingly spacious, with thick carpets, a high arched ceiling, and a wide view through an ornate window.
Bones took a seat on the sofa and waved for Alex to join him. "Alex, I have to say, I'm impressed. I didn't expect your alchemy skills to have grown this much," Bones said sincerely.
"Even all the way over here in Egypt, I've seen your papers making the rounds. I heard you've even opened your own alchemy store in Diagon Alley, and that the Ministry of Magic's using your services now. That's no small feat."
Alex smiled, walking over to the low table and pulling a bottle of firewhisky from his space ring. He poured a glass for Bones and another for himself.
"I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for your guidance, Professor," Alex said, handing him the drink. "Back then, I didn't even know what alchemy really was."
Bones took a sip of whiskey and said casually, "At the banquet tomorrow night, I'll introduce you to a few local alchemy masters.
They've shown a real interest in your work. Meeting them might help you take your alchemy to the next level. I'm no professional alchemist myself, after all."
"Thank you, Professor. That means a lot to me," Alex replied with genuine respect.Bones had always supported him, and he held the man in high regard.
"Actually, I've been corresponding with a few alchemists in Cairo for a while now. I've been hoping for the chance to meet them in person."
Bones nodded in satisfaction. "Good. And while you're here, you should spend some time in the Kara Bazaar.
The bookshops there have a wide selection of alchemy books, many of them covering the most recent developments. This place is practically the front line of alchemical research."
Alex perked up at that. "I'm definitely interested in the Bazaar," he said, then hesitated a moment before adding, "Professor Bones, aside from attending the conference, I'm also thinking about expanding my alchemy business here.
What's it like, selling alchemical products in Egypt? Are there specific requirements?"