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Harry Potter: The Last Scion of Sprout - 243
🕑 Added 2025-09-15 20:00:15 +0000 UTCChapter 243: Nicolas Flamel, Legacy, and Ritual
Nicolas Flamel?! Hearing this name from outside the door, even though Ciel had witnessed many things different from the original story during his year at Hogwarts, he still widened his eyes with momentary mental blankness.
This name was simply too thunderous to ignore. An alchemical master who had lived over 600 years, the only person in the magical world who could create the Philosopher's Stone, representing the pinnacle of alchemy for centuries.
Even the entire first year of Harry Potter's story revolved around the Philosopher's Stone as its core. Such an existence made even Dumbledore seem somewhat dim in comparison.
Ciel truly hadn't expected Nicolas Flamel to visit Hogwarts on this deep night. This wasn't in the original story at all?
But moments later, he suddenly recalled a passage from the original, his gaze becoming uncertain. He remembered that in the original, after Harry awakened, he quickly asked Dumbledore about the Philosopher's Stone's status.
Dumbledore told Harry he'd discussed it with Nicolas Flamel, and the Stone had been destroyed, so Harry needn't worry. But thinking carefully, such hasty destruction of the Philosopher's Stone seemed quite strange.
After all, the Philosopher's Stone could be said to be one of the most precious items in the magical world. Even if Nicolas Flamel no longer valued it so highly, Dumbledore, whether for safety considerations or other reasons, should be more cautious.
Destroying the Philosopher's Stone shouldn't be done without even meeting Nicolas Flamel face-to-face, right? Even a normal person wouldn't be so hasty when handling a friend's belongings.
He had thought this was just a flaw in the original story. But now, thinking carefully, perhaps Dumbledore's words to Harry in the original were just to comfort Harry and prevent excessive worry.
In reality, the Philosopher's Stone was still in Dumbledore's hands. Destruction was certainly planned, but they'd definitely wait for Nicolas Flamel to come. Complete the destruction at a secret place and time; do not announce it publicly.
Now, Nicolas Flamel's visit might be precisely to personally destroy the Philosopher's Stone. But this also left him somewhat puzzled.
If Nicolas Flamel was most likely here to destroy the Philosopher's Stone, why would he specifically come here? He didn't think Nicolas Flamel and Dumbledore were wandering around bored at night and somehow got lost here.
Lost at Hogwarts? Dumbledore wasn't that senile yet. But despite countless questions in his mind, he couldn't keep Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel waiting outside.
Taking a deep breath, he opened the greenhouse door. Immediately, the first figure to meet his eyes was Dumbledore's tall form with greying hair and beard.
However, now Dumbledore stepped back slightly, seemingly showing respect, letting another figure stand before him. His gaze fell on this unfamiliar figure.
Undoubtedly, this was naturally Nicolas Flamel. But Nicolas Flamel's appearance wasn't like he had imagined, another white-haired elderly man. Quite the opposite.
(TL NOTE: I think the Author didn't watch "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them")
Nicolas Flamel appeared to be about fifty or sixty years old, in his prime. Most of his hair remained black with only slight greyish patches. If he hadn't said so, probably no one would think this was the "immortal" who'd lived over 600 years.
He even looked two generations younger than Dumbledore! Seeing his surprised expression, Dumbledore smiled and said: "Ciel, won't you invite us in?"
He came to his senses, repeatedly apologising while stepping aside to let these two top wizards of the magical world enter. Nicolas Flamel showed no annoyance or pride whatsoever, his face full of relaxed, pleasant smiles.
He even sincerely apologised to Ciel for the late-night disturbance. Then he looked at the greenhouse before him, his eyes showing rich nostalgia:
"Hogwarts. I haven't been here for centuries. The greenhouse is still as thriving as it was back then. How wonderful."
Then, seeing his somewhat puzzled expression, Nicolas Flamel proactively explained: "Though I'm French and attended Beauxbatons during school, travelling through Europe's magical world was fashionable after graduation."
"Generally speaking, the three major magical schools were popular travel destinations. I disliked Durmstrang's atmosphere, so I immediately chose to visit Hogwarts first."
When mentioning this, Nicolas Flamel's face filled with nostalgia as he recounted that day's scene in detail: "That day was also the end of the House Cup. Coincidentally, it was also Hufflepuff winning."
"When I arrived, Hufflepuff banners flew above Hogwarts with grand celebrations. Before I could even state my purpose, enthusiastic little badgers poured me wine."
"That night, I spent the night directly in Hufflepuff's common room. Starting the next day, I discussed magic with many excellent Hufflepuff students. Ha ha, that was an unforgettable experience."
But moments later, Nicolas Flamel shook his head slightly: "In the blink of an eye, everything has changed. My friends from then are basically all in portraits now. This is the downside of living too long."
"An old immortal like me can now only rely on revisiting old places to recall truly youthful feelings."
But soon, Nicolas Flamel recovered from this sentimentality. He winked at Ciel, saying rather mysteriously: "However, young Mr Sprout, I came specifically to visit you this time. In a certain sense, we actually have quite a connection."
This left him even more puzzled. What connection could he have with Nicolas Flamel? The Sprout family had never mentioned having a distant relative named Nicolas.
As he puzzled over this, Nicolas Flamel laughed heartily: "When I was at Hufflepuff College, I drank nectar brewed by Lady Hufflepuff herself. Merlin above, that taste has remained wonderfully unforgettable throughout these centuries."
"I think young Mr Sprout must have also tasted that cup of nectar?"
Hearing this, he immediately understood. Nicolas Flamel had also once received Lady Hufflepuff's gifts? Seeing his expression, Nicolas Flamel nodded, his face full of solemnity and reverence:
"Lady Hufflepuff's ideals were incredibly great. At that time, even though the three major magical schools were established, the magical world still had strong tendencies toward self-protection."
"I thought my visit to Hogwarts wouldn't go smoothly, but the results were beyond my expectations. Not only did the little badgers then warmly welcome me, but Lady Hufflepuff herself opened mysterious doors for me."
"Even though I wasn't a Hogwarts student, I still received her enthusiastic hospitality. Even her magical insights were taught to me without reservation."
"Her guidance helped me tremendously, even directly influencing my later alchemy. Without her, my alchemy definitely wouldn't have reached its current heights."
"So in a sense, I'm actually half a Hufflepuff student."
Only now did Nicolas Flamel reveal his reason for specifically visiting the greenhouse late at night: "Before coming, I heard from Dumbledore in his letter about the chaos caused by the Philosopher's Stone this time."
"I also heard about your performance, young Mr Sprout. Just then, a strong premonition seized me. I realised that an excellent young wizard like you would definitely receive Lady Hufflepuff's gifts."
"This premonition even told me I must come personally. This matter is very important."
Hearing this, even Dumbledore looked surprised. This was his first time learning that Nicolas Flamel's specific visit to Ciel came from a mysterious premonition?
But Dumbledore didn't find this absurd. Instead, his expression became as serious as Nicolas Flamel's. At their level of magical mastery, their trust in premonitions was extremely high.
Sixth sense and prophecy weren't illusions but truly possessed mysterious power. What matter could give Nicolas Flamel such strong premonitions?
Now Nicolas Flamel looked at Ciel, carefully observing him before showing amazement and complex emotions: "Now it seems I truly came at the right time."
"I originally thought young Mr Sprout had simply received Lady Hufflepuff's gifts like I did long ago. Though such things are rare, across long time spans, some wizards have had this honour."
"But I didn't expect Lady Hufflepuff to pass her will to you. You can completely be called Lady Hufflepuff's true heir."
Hearing this, his pupils contracted slightly. He hadn't expected Nicolas Flamel to see at a glance that Lady Hufflepuff's will had been passed to him?
Mysterious. This alchemical master was simply unfathomable. In some sense, he gave him feelings even more profound than Dumbledore.
Thinking about it, Quirrell could have known before school started that the Philosopher's Stone was hidden in Dumbledore's underground vault. With his intelligence capabilities, couldn't he find Nicolas Flamel's hermitage location?
Rather than break into Hogwarts knowing Dumbledore had preparations, why not directly find Nicolas Flamel? Capture him, use Imperius or Cruciatus to make Nicolas write letters demanding the Stone's return, or simply have him make a new Philosopher's Stone. Wouldn't that be better?
Or at worst, Nicolas Flamel's elixir of life also possessed some of the Philosopher's Stone's effects, enough to sustain Quirrell for a long time. Why hadn't Quirrell tried this approach?
This proved that in Quirrell's view, seizing the Philosopher's Stone from Nicolas Flamel might be even more terrifying than facing Dumbledore at Hogwarts!
Moreover, thinking deeper, Nicolas Flamel possessing the Philosopher's Stone was common knowledge. Over the past centuries, why had no wizard ever dared seek out Nicolas Flamel to rob the Stone?
Obviously, a wizard capable of creating the Philosopher's Stone couldn't possibly be weak. His magical mastery might even exceed Dumbledore's and Voldemort's!
Now Dumbledore's expression also showed great surprise. The four founders had all left legacies at Hogwarts, but these legacies maintained extreme independence.
Neither house heads nor Hogwarts headmasters had authority to interfere. They wouldn't even know who obtained the legacies. If not for Nicolas Flamel bringing this up, even Dumbledore wouldn't know Ciel hadn't merely gained Lady Hufflepuff's recognition but had become her true heir.
But how did Nicolas Flamel know? Facing their confused gazes, Nicolas Flamel calmly explained:
"At that time, Lady Hufflepuff entertained me for quite a while. Her preserved will even personally cooked me a table full of delicious food."
"Precisely because of this, I'm so familiar with her will's aura. That's how I sensed Lady Hufflepuff's will remaining on you, Ciel."
Then, after pondering briefly, Nicolas Flamel made another proposal that made both Dumbledore and Ciel widen their eyes: "Ciel, I originally came to destroy the Philosopher's Stone."
"After destroying it, I planned to settle affairs with my wife, then welcome our deaths. Regarding my alchemy, considering the chaos the Philosopher's Stone has caused, I intended to let it disappear from the world forever with us."
"But now, I've changed my mind." Nicolas Flamel looked at him: "Lady Hufflepuff's heir, are you interested in inheriting my alchemy?"
"Consider it my way of repaying Lady Hufflepuff's cultivation and your performance in the Forbidden Forest trial. I think entrusting my alchemy to you would be an excellent choice."
"If you're willing, I'll spend my remaining years fully training you, teaching you all the essence of my alchemy."
Hearing Nicolas Flamel's proposal, not just Ciel but even Dumbledore was nearly speechless with surprise. Others might not clearly understand how powerful Nicolas Flamel's alchemy truly was, but Dumbledore had collaborated with him and had considerable alchemical research himself.
He understood Nicolas Flamel's profound alchemical mastery all too well. Without exaggeration, with Dumbledore's extraordinary talents, few magical fields could earn his serious attention.
But in alchemy, Dumbledore considered himself a learning infant compared to Nicolas Flamel. He even suspected Nicolas Flamel's alchemy might have broken through modern alchemy's limits, approaching the incredible ancient alchemy recorded in myths!
Throughout history, Nicolas Flamel was alchemy's foremost master. Naturally, many people desperately pursued Nicolas Flamel, trying to become his student.
Even young Dumbledore had once written to Nicolas Flamel, hoping to become his teacher. But even Dumbledore hadn't made Nicolas Flamel break precedent.
This once made the then-confident Dumbledore feel some defeat. Until Nicolas Flamel wrote, telling Dumbledore that refusing students wasn't due to insufficient talent but because he'd once taken a student long ago who caused great mistakes, making him swear off accepting students.
Dumbledore could only give up helplessly. Though they later collaborated in discovering dragon blood's twelve uses, not becoming Nicolas Flamel's student remained one of young Dumbledore's regrets.
Now, hearing Nicolas Flamel intended to accept Ciel as a disciple, Dumbledore took a deep breath. If he could become Nicolas Flamel's student, the benefits would be countless.
Therefore, Dumbledore immediately looked at him as if urging him not to hesitate and quickly agree. This was a once-in-a-millennium opportunity!
He felt Dumbledore's gaze and naturally understood what a momentous opportunity this was. Otherwise, how could even Dumbledore lose composure?
His heartbeat accelerated continuously as scenes flashed through his mind. Studying alchemy, creating the Philosopher's Stone, and alchemical products shocking the magical world.
But after thinking of these, his originally excited mood gradually cooled. He began asking himself a question: Having opportunities was naturally good, but was alchemy truly suitable for him? Did he really like this field?
He fell into choice and contemplation. Dumbledore showed bitter smiles. This child truly didn't understand how precious this opportunity was. Still hesitating now?
Nicolas Flamel didn't mind, maintaining his smiling expression while waiting for his decision. But moments later, having thought clearly, he looked determined.
Under Dumbledore's encouraging gaze, he looked at Nicolas Flamel. But his words shocked both Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel:
"I'm sorry, Master Nicolas. I think I'm not a suitable candidate to inherit your alchemy."
Dumbledore unprecedentedly raised his voice: "Ciel?!"
Nicolas Flamel showed an interested expression, looking at him and asking: "Can you tell me the reason?"
He said seriously: "I don't know much about alchemy. But I know the Philosopher's Stone's power. Transforming material composition, immortality. Possessing it means having countless wealth and time. All worldly entanglements and troubles become almost meaningless before the Stone's power."
Nicolas Flamel raised an eyebrow: "Knowing this, you still choose to refuse? Young Mr Sprout, I sincerely want to teach you alchemy."
He showed a grateful smile: "I'm very grateful for your appreciation and kindness. But I consider my talent insufficient."
"Ordinary magic is already profound and mysterious for me, requiring extraordinary effort. Much less alchemy, which has defeated so many geniuses?"
"Not to embarrass you, but I've also flipped through 'Introduction to Alchemy' in the library. I truly couldn't understand a single word."
"If I were all-talented, I'd definitely consider it. But now, I feel herbology suits me better. Rather than investing energy in alchemy, I prefer deeply researching herbology. I love farming above all else."
This answer left Dumbledore stunned while showing strange appreciation in his eyes. Looking at Ciel with additional admiration.
But Nicolas Flamel, after initial surprise, suddenly burst into laughter full of praise: "Lady Hufflepuff's heir truly possesses excellent qualities that ordinary people lack! Remarkable, truly remarkable."
He shook his head self-deprecatingly: "It's just insufficient ability and talent. If I had enough talent, I'd love to study all worldly magic."
Nicolas Flamel replied seriously: "No, no, no. Having self-awareness and understanding trade-offs is itself a remarkable ability."
"Sometimes many geniuses possess extremely high magical talents. I've seen higher alchemical talent than mine. But such geniuses are often arrogant, always feeling omnipotent, lacking this self-recognition and trade-off ability."
Speaking these words, Nicolas Flamel's eyes showed profound depths with sadness and pain flickering through his pupils, as if recalling unbearable past events: "If my former student had possessed your self-awareness and trade-off ability, perhaps..."
Then Nicolas Flamel sighed deeply, immediately changing topics: "Well, since you've made this choice, I can't force you."
He smiled bitterly: "Seems my alchemy truly must go to the grave with me. Hope no one comes digging my tomb for this knowledge."
Now Ciel suddenly recalled something. After hesitating briefly, he said: "Master Nicolas, though I cannot inherit your alchemy, I know a possibly suitable candidate. Capable and responsible, with extraordinary alchemical talent. Just perhaps a bit old. Could you give him a chance?"
Nicolas Flamel paused but soon nodded pleasantly: "Age isn't a problem. Since it's your recommendation, young Mr Sprout, I trust this candidate must be extraordinary."
Speaking thus, Nicolas Flamel took out an alchemical notebook and handed it to him: "This records some of my preliminary alchemical insights and experiences. You can give it to your friend."
"I have about five years left. During this time, he can write me with any questions. I'll definitely teach everything I know."
He took a deep breath, expressing gratitude to Nicolas Flamel. Though not personal instruction, one of Nicolas Flamel's notebooks would be of unimaginable value in the magical world.
Countless magical families and hermit master wizards would probably willingly give everything to exchange for this notebook. Thus, the troll priest Sirius's alchemical talents should receive maximum cultivation and development.
Might there be some possibility of truly inheriting Nicolas Flamel's mantle? His thoughts churned.
But now Nicolas Flamel took out a crystalline stone. His gaze was involuntarily drawn to this object. With his current magical perception, he could clearly sense the stone contained unimaginably vast magical power.
Without thinking, he knew what this stone was: "This is the Philosopher's Stone?!"
Nicolas Flamel nodded, looking at it without any attachment. Then he looked at him, extending an invitation: "Since young Mr Sprout declined becoming my student, at least don't refuse my next invitation?"
"How about observing the Philosopher's Stone destruction ritual?" He winked mysteriously: "Perhaps this will bring you some unexpected benefits."
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