Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 405 The Golden Cave And The Crystal Tree

Evan had seen many Portkeys before, each emitting varying amounts of magic.

That was the hallmark of magical functionality; even the special Portkey to Azkaban Prison for Wizards, which was kept underground in the Ministry of Magic, was no exception.

But in front of him, nothing could be sensed from the statue of Faust.

It was like any ordinary stone statue. There was no magic in it. Aside from its peculiar shape, nothing called for a second glance.

"Do not be surprised. Like other statues around here, it remains a common stone carving. Only the correct incantation can turn it into a Portkey," explained Flamel. "The space where the book is located is protected by ancient and powerful magic, and no one can enter without using the right method. This statue is the only way to get there. I use alchemy to leave a positioning object for that space."

Indeed, the Portkey was a magical object that could swiftly transport people from one space to another, and it truly seemed insignificant, blending in unnoticed.

The creation of a Portkey had to be reported to the Portkey Office at the Ministry of Magic, and the incantation would be Portus.

As soon as one thought of their destination while reading the spell, they would arrive there.

But obviously, the one Evan saw in front of him was different from common Portkeys.

First of all, it was definitely not under the control of the Ministry of Magic. Furthermore, after Flamel's transformation, the incantation should be different for the alchemical object dedicated to the space where "The Book of Abraham" was preserved.

"Have you ever seen the opera Faust?" Flamel asked gently.

Instead of rushing to use magic, he turned and looked at Evan.

Under his gaze, Evan shook his head and indicated he had never seen it.

"Then I suggest you go and see it. Although it is an opera created by Muggles, it is truly a great classic that can help you understand a lot about life and philosophy. When you have time, I encourage you to go," Flamel slowly said with his aged voice. "Remember that when people work hard all their lives, it is inevitable that they make mistakes. Even if their heart is shrouded in darkness, a good man will recognize the right path to be honest..."

He recited some famous verses from Faust, then paused to give Evan time to carefully reflect on their meaning.

"My dear, you are the heir of my choice!" a few minutes later, with a deep voice and solemn look, said Flamel. "I hope you do not succumb to eternal life, power, and wealth like I did, for they are not beneficial. Instead, you can carry on to the end, and learn the true secrets of 'The Book of Abraham.'"

Just as he finished speaking, he patted Evan's shoulder and headed towards the statue of Faust and the Devil.

" In the beginning was the Action!" Flamel said softly.

He looked at Evan again and used his wand to quickly tap the statue.

A faint blue glow appeared, and the statue trembled.

Now, Evan could feel the faint magic emanating from it. The statue gradually changed from a common stone carving to a Portkey, and the incantation was In the beginning was the Action!

This phrase was also from Faust, indicating the origin of all things.

Literally, it meant that it was not language or ideas, but practice and action, that implemented and created everything.

If one works diligently, mistakes are inevitable...

So do not cease trying for fear of making mistakes, again and again.

"Are you ready?" Flamel placed his hand on the statue and gestured for Evan to do the same. "We'd better hurry and not keep Albus waiting!"

Just as Evan placed his hand on the Transporter, the statue of Faust dissolved instantly, and from it emanated a soft blue light.

The light changed, the world in front of him changed, and he felt a wave of dizziness.

In the strange and glorious world, he was pushed forward by invisible forces.

Everything around him distorted, as if he had entered a strange tunnel.

Evan didn't know how much time had passed, and upon regaining consciousness, he found himself in an empty and massive cave.

In the dim light before him, the statue transformed back from a Transporter into a stone sculpture.

This was the first thing Evan could see. With its different color, the original small statue of Faust stood out.

Behind the statue, grotesque vertical descending stalactites descended from the cave walls, and the floors and ceilings were not made of rough stones, but of dazzling gold; gold was everywhere in sight!

The entire underground cave was made of gold!

Evan looked around in amazement, and only then could he truly grasp the meaning of "the touch of gold."

Before that, he had no idea that Flamel would actually use the Philosopher's Stone to turn an entire cave into gold; the idea was truly insane!

If asked, he could only describe the scene before him as breathtaking. Indeed, he had never seen so much gold before. Compared to the gold in front of him, all the wealth boasted by pure-blood wizarding families was a joke.

No wonder Flamel had repeatedly warned him before entering.

Although Evan had made a decision, he couldn't resist the temptation of so much gold and immortality.

He tried to keep his breathing steady, but his eyes couldn't help but uncontrollably gaze at the countless gold on the walls around him.

"This is where I attempted to work on the Philosopher's Stone. With countless trials, the excess energy from it caused this to happen," explained Flamel. "This space is tens of thousands of feet below Beauxbatons. Although it's so far down, it's still under the protection of the magic that safeguards the school. The original entrance was completely sealed by me. No one can enter this place without using this Transporter."

He walked forward, and Evan hurried to follow him.

The cave was vast. Looking ahead, there was nothing but gold...

Evan felt like he was spinning and spinning. After a few steps, he couldn't even distinguish which was the bottom and which was the top.

In this golden world, everything seemed boundless, limitless.

Just as he felt like he was about to faint, he saw a huge ancient tree.

This ancient tree was of no species that Evan knew. Its trunk was large enough for dozens of people to surround it.

The branches and leaves were so dense that it stood there like a huge triangular pyramid.

The leaves emitted a faint glow, which was the only source of light in the cave.

A few steps ahead, Evan clearly saw that the leaves and the texture of the tree were all fluorescent, transparent crystals.

In the center of the trunk, in an inward hole, lay silently a very thick magic book: "The Book of Abraham"!