บท 12: End Of Occlumency Lessons, and Day Out With Lia
Books. Memories. Books. Memories.
For another five months, Quinn slaved away in his mindscape, sorting memories to bookshelves. It was an arduous project, as there were too many memory books. Even if Quinn managed to clean out an area, more would appear in the same area.
Quinn had to sort through all the memories of his life. Viewing every memory that was presented to him as memory books. It was all not bad as Quinn's speed of sorting increased with time. From the first time, his current speed was twice as fast. But it was nothing when compared to the speed Alan had described to him.
"Mr. West, I have reached the level where my memories are sorted in real-time. The ongoing memory of me talking to you is already sorted. I don't have to sort them as you do. I have trained my mind and mindscape to sort them the moment I see them."
Plus, Quinn could only complete a quarter of the total immersion possible for a memory. Alan, on the other hand, was once again on another level.
"I achieve complete immersion for all my memories. I can recall the input from all my senses; Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch. I can even recall what emotion and thoughts I had during the memory," Quinn had remembered the look Alan had given him as he had revealed, "Mr. West, I have sorted every memory of my life. Even the unpleasant ones, like the death of loved ones, fears, insecurities, and many more. I have relived those memories just so that I could sort them. You don't have to complete the immersion on those memories, but there will be times when you would chance upon those memories."
It was one of those rare times when Alan was serious, "I would suggest that you at least sort them with minimum immersion. Otherwise, they would remain outside your bookshelves, and believe me when I say it would cause problems in the long term. Emotions are powerful, Mr. West. Magic responds the most to emotions. It would be difficult, but I have confidence that you would be able to power through."
It was Quinn's first time hearing a somber side of the magic. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to relive not-so-pleasant memories. To feel the emotions at their height. What about experiences from which you had moved on in life, but you had to go back and relive them with a complete immersion and feel those heavy emotions?
In six months, Quinn went through all of his memories. Because he wasn't aiming for feeling emotions and only had quarter immersion, he didn't face major emotional problems. It did bother Quinn when he found memories of his transmigration and the subsequent days. Plus, the various times he had slipped into guilt, shame, and depression.
He was in one of the rooms, walking as he admired the full bookshelves. After he was satisfied, he closed his eyes and exited his mindscape. When he opened his eyes, he was lying on the familiar sofa in Alan and Quinn's room.
He sat up and looked at Alan, who was reading a book. Quinn knew that even though Alan looked like he was doing nothing just a moment ago, Alan was with him in his mindscape.
"So, what is next?" Quinn asked as he sat on his usual stool.
Alan removed his eyes from the book and answered, "We are done, Mr. West." Quinn was confused as he titled his head, "What do you mean, we are done?"
Alan closed his book and set it on the table, "I have taught you the basics of the aspect of efficiency. From here on out, you would have to carve out your own path."
Quinn frowned and questioned, "But, all I have done is sort my memories. There must be more to the aspect of efficiency."
Alan nodded and returned, "Do you feel any difference in your memory recall?"
To that, Quinn nodded without hesitation, "Yes, absolutely. It has become easier to recall things. My memorization speed might not have increased, but I am positive that I can retain things longer." Quinn knew that after sorting his memory, he could easily access them by entering his mindscape.
"Tell me, did you decide the bookshelves for the memory books?"
Quinn shook his head as whenever a memory book gained quarter immersion, it would disappear from his hands and insert itself into a bookshelf, and he would know which bookshelf it was, but he could never decide which bookshelf should the books go to.
"Now that you have sorted all of your memories. You have the option to arrange the memory books in the bookshelves of your choice. How you sort is up to you. How you arrange books in your mindscape is important, as you would know where the books are and could find them much faster than now. There is more information in the book that I have given you, reference sorting techniques from there, but do create something original. You would be the most comfortable with your own craft."
The book mentioned by Alan was; 'An Occlumens' Treasure Trove, Part 2'. The book was based around the efficiency aspect and was an extensive text made from the result of Alan's knowledge and experience.
Alan continued explaining, "After you have found a sorting scheme, learn how to dive into your Mindscape without detaching yourself from the real world," It was a valid point as Quinn had to close his eyes and focus so that he could enter his mindscape. Currently, he couldn't do anything in the actual world while he was in his mindscape, which was very inefficient. "There are many things that you could accomplish with both aspects that I have taught you, but it will be your decision what to learn, how to earn, and when to learn. I have given you the resources. Use them well."
Alan had gifted Quinn the third and final volume of 'An Occlumens' Treasure Trove' series, centered on the emotional aspect. According to Alan, after learning two aspects, Quinn had enough experience to get started on the third aspect without his guidance.
Quinn bit his lower lip, and Alan could see the wheels turning in his student's tiny head. He could guess what Quinn was thinking, but he silently waited for Quinn to speak.
Quinn made up his mind and asked, "I want you to teach me Legilimency." Alan smiled in his mind but just stared at Quinn, watching as his student fidgeted in nervousness, as he stayed silent, enjoying the moment.
Alan stayed silent for a couple of minutes before saying, "I will draft another contract extension with your grandfather. Of course, only if he agrees." Quinn nodded as if his grandfather refused; he wouldn't be able to learn anything from Alan.
"And, if your grandfather agrees, I would start after a break of three months. I want to relax." Quinn stilled for a moment but then nodded as he understood the need for a break. Alan had been visiting the West Manor for around twenty-one months.
"I understand. I would set up a meeting with my grandfather. You can discuss the details with him."
In the meeting, they decided Alan would teach Quinn the art of legilimency after a three-month break. He would visit thrice a week, one more than the previous twice per week arrangement. The new plan pleased Quinn more than anything.
It would be the evening after the day of the meeting that Alan would call Quinn into his study.
- (Study Break) -
Quinn sat in his grandfather's study. Quinn liked his grandfather's study. It was an elegant room, and with grandfather in his seat, it looked like he was in control of everything.
Quinn looked at his grandfather, who had a drink in his hand, and asked in French, "Why have you called me here, grandfather?"
George West swirled the drink in his hand as he asked, "Quinn, why do you want to learn Legilimency?"
Quinn stayed silent for a moment, thinking about why his grandfather would ask him the question, before replying, "Mr. Baddeley is a brilliant teacher. After learning from him for such a long time, I thought I can learn more from him. He is an extraordinarily rare case of dual natural talent in both Occlumency and Legilimency. Plus, he is a master of mind arts. As for why I want to learn legilimency? I want to be an excellent occlumens; then it would be wise for me to learn legilimency, so I know how legilmens approach their craft."
Quinn paused for a moment before adding in a slightly lower voice, "Plus, this is the only magic I can do right now." Occlumency and legilimency were the only magic that Quinn could do openly, but he couldn't tell anyone the truth, so he said it this way. He could brew potions whenever he wanted but had to call Elliot to prepare ingredients that needed wand-work.
The words gave George some clarity about Quinn's situation. He knew about his grandson's love for magic. In fact, Quinn had gone on another book shopping spree. He had bought books from the countries of the South American continent. So George had to commission another translation work for the new books.
George nodded and ended that line of questioning. A silence fell upon the pair. Quinn knew his grandfather was a man of few words in his personal life. So, it was up to Quinn to initiate the conversation.
"When is Lia coming back?" His sister had been out for work for a couple of weeks, and he had started to miss her.
George thought about it for a while and replied, "She would be back within a week. She has done a good job at the project in Italy." He had a smile on his face as she praised his granddaughter.
Lia had grown a lot in the time she had gotten involved in the family business. She traveled a lot and worked at different small family shops and businesses. Each time he would give her the task to make a positive and noticeable change. [A/N: Like in the Stagiaire arc of Shokugeki No Soma.]
Quinn nodded and looked forward to reuniting with his sister. Maybe this time they would go out to play and have.
- (Study Break) -
Lia had returned home within a week. After giving her a couple of days for rest, Quinn dragged her out of the house to play in the non-magical(muggle) world.
The West family had been progressive in nature, and that progressive nature extended towards the non-magical (muggle) world.
Quinn's great-grandfather had expanded the family business from Britain's magical community to the rest of the European-magical communities. Next, Quinn's grandfather, George West, had led another expansion to different continents. Quinn's father, Adam West, was the one to introduce the non-magical world to the family business. It was nothing radical or out-of-place; he only sold items that could be produced faster and cheaper with the help of magic. Adam West had drawn up yet another expansion for the family business, this time to the non-magical world.
But, he had met with an untimely death.
Quinn's grandfather had worked to make his son's plans come true. Alas, the old man had limited knowledge of the non-magical (muggle) world, so the progress was slow.
This is where Lia came in. She wanted to continue her father's legacy, so she would regularly visit the non-magical world and had become quite comfortable with the culture. George was sure that she could expand the family business to the non-magical (muggle) world.
Quinn West, the youngest child of the West Family, was like a fish in the water while in the non-magical (muggle) world. Much more so than Lia. He could remember the days when Lia would stare at things like a country bumpkin, but Quinn took in things like he had been among them his whole life.
Quinn had secretly helped Lia along the way. While he enjoyed the non-magical (muggle) world, his principal reason for visiting it so often was to lead Lia in a world unknown to her. He would direct her to places and subtly show her how things were done. Credit to Lia, she was a quick learner. She picked up things quickly and now could seamlessly pass as a non-magical.
Lia looked at her younger brother as they entered the non-magical (muggle) world with appropriate clothing both the siblings loved muggle clothes; they were distinct and comfortable.
Quinn thought about the question and answered, "Let's go see a movie." Lia nodded. Movies were always fun. When they reached the theater, Quinn glanced upon a poster and his eyes shined as he had found the movie they were about to watch.
He pulled Lia's hand and pointed at the poster. "I want to see that movie." Lia turned to look at the poster and spoke, "Die Hard?" Fortunately for Quinn, the poster didn't have guns on it and only a burning building, so Lia did not know the level of violence and foul language in the movie.
She cluelessly nodded and bought two tickets. The ticket checker, a teenager, most probably a part-timer, didn't even bat his eyes seeing Quinn enter the screening of Die Hard.
And as it was expected, Lia's jaw dropped when she the contents of the movie, and tried to leave with Quinn, but he gently curbed her attempts and chuckled, "Come on, Lia. Don't be a prude."
Lia, who wasn't able to make Quinn leave, sighed as she sat back down, and the siblings watched the movie as they munched on popcorn. After the movie, Lia glared at Quinn and declared, "I will be choosing the movies from now on."
Quinn just cheekily grinned and offered a peace offering, "Let's go shopping."
Lia's mood uplifted in a split-second and Quinn followed Lia on her search for pretty clothes. While Lia picked out clothes for herself, Quinn was too looking at clothes, but not with the intention of buying. He was looking at the stitching on the clothing. Quinn, one day would like to make clothes for himself. At least, making clothing of magical culture that was more comfortable. He also wanted to have more pockets in his clothes to enchant them with expansion charms. There was nothing better than doing it yourself.
While he was looking at clothes, Lia called him from behind. "Quinn, did you find something you like?" Quinn turned to face her and responded, "No, you find me something, I will pick from those."
Lia hummed and spoke, "Only if you help me out with my shopping." Quinn shrugged as he had nothing better to do. Lia tried many dresses as Quinn gave his reviews.
Lia, just like him, had jet-black hair and stone-grey eyes. She was charming, tall, and had excellent proportions with long legs. Even the employees in the store were actively helping her out with recommending dresses.
Somewhere along the line, Quinn too was roped into trying so many clothes. Lia and the store employees were not even listening to Quinn and just began handing him clothes to try out and treating him like a mannequin.
They spent an hour in that store and came out with a ton of clothes. Quinn glared at his sister and declared, "You totally went overboard!"
Lia giggled and said, "How about I treat you to Indian Food." [A/N: Indian food is like takeout in England.]
Quinn grumbled and nodded. "I also want Sticky toffee pudding with ice cream." Lia ruffled his hair and agreed, "Alright, whatever you want."
As they ate dinner, Quinn asked Lia about work. Lia indulged her little brother and talked. "I have been having problems with hiring people who have experiences with both worlds. I tried to get in contact with my school, but the number of people is still lacking. I need to find a lot more people to expand our plans."
She sighed and continued, "Plus, I need to find them quickly. The people I hire need to be trained before they could actually work productively."
Quinn looked at Lia and felt weird as he knew Britain had plenty of first-generation magicals (muggleborns) who went back to the non-magical world to find work as they couldn't find employment in the magical world. Muggleborns couldn't find work in the Diagon Alley, Carkitt Market, Horizont Alley, and a few could barely find jobs in Knockturn Alley, and that too didn't pay well.
The status of first-generation magicals (muggleborns) had been slowly deteriorating since Grindelwald's era, and Voldemort and his pureblood death eaters had made things much worse. Oppression against first-generation magicals (muggleborns) was at an all-time high.
But then it hit him that Lia hadn't spent time in England and had spent most of her time in France at Beauxbaton. And as she said, she was recruiting from Beauxbatons and the French magicals and might have missed Britain.
Lia noticed Quinn looking at her weirdly and questioned. "Why are you looking at me like that? Is the food not good?"
Quinn gulped down the food in his mouth and replied, "You can recruit from Britain, you know? First-generation magicals, or muggleborns as they call them here, can't get jobs here. Most of them go back to the non-magical world to find jobs."
George West didn't care about the birth status of his employees. He employed anyone eligible, but he couldn't recruit every first-generation magical (muggleborns), so the unemployment problem was still prevalent.
This fact also confused Quin; why hadn't his grandfather advised Lia upon this matter? Britain was a treasure trove of human resources in the form of first-generation magical (muggleborns).
The answer to it was simple, George West wanted to see how quick his granddaughter would arrive at the solution. Lia was a bit too much attached to Beauxbaton and France. To run a business that had spanned across multiple continents, she needed to see the whole wide world.
Lia was too engrossed in the new information that Quinn had provided her. She didn't think to ask him how did he know this. Which was good, as Quinn had no clue about the excuse he could have given.
After snapping out of her thought, Lia was so happy that she allowed Quinn to buy another serving of sticky toffee pudding with extra ice cream.
As he ate his second serving of dessert, Quinn thought. 'A good day indeed~.'
-*-*-*-*-*-
Quinn West - MC - Almost Ten years old - Likes Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Lia West - Elder Sister - Office Lady (OL) - Having problems with HR.
George West - Grandfather - Businessman, grooming his successor.
Alan D. Baddeley - Teacher - Can't talk, On vacation.
-*-*-*-*-*-
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