Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 401 Death And The Philosopher's Stone

Nicolas Flamel paused and carefully observed the expression on Evan's face before softly saying, "I saw death in it."

"Death?" Evan was surprised.

"Yes." Seeing the surprised look on Evan's face, Flamel couldn't help but smile. "It must be accurate, isn't it? This stone bowl performed an effective divination and demonstrated its precision. Two years ago, after speaking with Albus, I destroyed the Philosopher's Stone to avoid people's hidden motives. But it also means that I can no longer make the Elixir of Life."

Although Evan was still concerned about the cunning man he had just seen in the stone bowl, the atmosphere became particularly somber upon hearing Flamel's words.

He wasn't sure if he should console Flamel.

"It's alright, my boy. Don't put on that expression, it's no big deal." Flamel continued in a relaxed tone, "Death is a relief for us. My wife Perenelle and I are ready to embrace it."

"But..."

"For a young man like you, it may seem a bit implausible. But for us, death is actually like going to bed after a long day." Flamel gestured to show Evan that he didn't mind. "And you must have heard Albus say that death is just another great adventure for a very sober wizard. Remember, this is far from being the end."

In the empty corridor, only Flamel's deep elderly voice reverberated.

He seemed to be hinting at some thoughts, but Evan couldn't comprehend.

Although he had read descriptions of death in many magic books before, they were all vague.

Among the ancient lost doctrines, many wizards believed that death didn't simply mean the end of life, but the beginning of a new cycle, one that transcended life itself and opened doors to another mysterious category of magic.

Only a truly powerful wizard was qualified to explore it.

However, common folk would merely strive to prolong their lives and evade death.

Though not many agreed with this, if it truly belonged to magic, then there must be secrets that death would reveal to people.

Evan wasn't sure he would simply close his eyes and face death calmly if it came. Obviously, Flamel was more assured.

But before Evan could inquire about his views on the relationship between magic and death, Flamel blinked and continued, "I want you to ask, but now is not the time to tell you. My son, when your life is about to reach its end, you will understand what I told you today."

Flamel gazed steadily at Evan, a smile on his lips, observing the confusion on his face.

"How long until that day? It all depends on your choice." Flamel's eyes descended slowly and settled on the locket hanging from Evan's chest. "Unlike most, you have a choice. You also possess a Philosopher's Stone, much like I had before, which means no matter how much wealth you desire and how long you wish to live, you can obtain what you want."

"I can't do it," Evan said dejectedly, "It originally belonged to Godric Gryffindor. Gryffindor transformed this Philosopher's Stone a thousand years ago, and now it serves no purpose other than providing magic."

He opened the locket and took out the Philosopher's Stone.

The irregular red stone softly gleamed in his hand.

"I don't believe that. If you have some knowledge of alchemy, it's just a way to use magic in philosopher's stones to turn lead into gold and create the Elixir of Life. The key is the Philosopher's Stone itself. It's the foundation. Everything is possible with this Philosopher's Stone." Flamel leaned in and observed the Philosopher's Stone in Evan's hand carefully. "This Philosopher's Stone holds great power, much stronger than it used to be."

Instead of removing the Philosopher's Stone from Evan's hand, he held his position and observed it for a few minutes before slowly lifting his head.

"Although I don't know much about curses, there is no doubt that the power within this Philosopher's Stone is very pure and potent, far beyond imagination," Flamel said, looking at Evan and speaking softly. "Breaking the curse on you is not a problem. In fact, as long as you master the use of this stone, it will help you achieve anything you desire."

"What should I do?" Evan asked subconsciously.

"This involves very esoteric alchemical knowledge and related theories, still beyond your level," Flamel chuckled. "What you need to do now is restore this broken Philosopher's Stone and find the other half as soon as possible."

Evan carefully stored the Philosopher's Stone. As for the other half of the piece, it had only been taken by the fallen centaurs in the war 800 years ago.

He didn't know where it was hidden now, and he had no clue.

But as Sirius had mentioned before, Dumbledore should already be investigating, and nothing could escape his notice.

"Although what I am about to say may not be appropriate, I must. A Philosopher's Stone is not as marvelous as it seems," Flamel's expression suddenly turned serious as he warned Evan, "With it, you seem to have everything, but in reality, you lose everything. This aligns with the most basic principle of alchemy: equivalent exchange. It took me over 600 years to understand this truth."

Evan blinked. He didn't fully grasp what Flamel was saying.

Like Dumbledore, Flamel always liked to say half and keep the other half. All his warnings were meant to halt and make Evan reflect.

It might be an admirable way of teaching, but ambiguous enough to drive anyone mad!

"With the Philosopher's Stone, you'll gain all your wealth and longevity, but at the same time, you must be prepared to sacrifice more," Flamel looked at Evan and said slowly, "As a pioneer, if you seek my advice, then I will tell you that these things that seem important actually benefit you not at all."

"I don't understand!"

"When you understand, you will be able to face death calmly," Flamel gasped for a moment before continuing, "Today is the first time we meet. But unsurprisingly, this should be our last meeting."

Evan gazed at the elder wizard. The light in his eyes was slowly fading.

At that moment, he seemed like a dying old man, his life passing through his body at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Flamel raised his hand, interrupting Evan's question, and gestured for him to keep listening. "The moment I destroyed the Philosopher's Stone, I was ready to face death. But because of one thing I couldn't be certain of, I never acted. Seeing you today, I can finally do so."

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