A Taste of Magic

Chapter 14: 14th Course - Reclamation

"Ah Nicolas, good to see you."

The man shook Dumbledore's hand energetically. He was undeniably old, yet the way he held himself and acted made him seem somehow younger than the obviously wizened Dumbledore. He had a very short and neat beard and goatee, trim grey and black hair, and bright blue eyes. "Albus, good to see you as well. The years have been kind to you."

Dumbledore chuckled richly. "Not as kind as you."

"Well I have the benefit of some aid in that regard," Nicolas Flamel smiled. "And speaking of." He held out his hand and took the red stone from Dumbledore. It pulsed in his hand, feeling warm and cool at the same time. "Did it help with your experimentation?"

"It is what we assumed; the power is a bit too robust for the rituals I had in mind."

"Pity. Well when I have some free time, perhaps we can work together and create a powered stone that would fit your needs and not exceed them."

"I would enjoy that, thank you. I will let you know my schedule since I assume an undertaking would require some undivided attention. How is Perenelle? I am surprised she did not accompany you."

"She's having fun in Africa at the moment," Nicolas smiled. "She's in the middle of something or else she would be here too. You know she enjoys needling you over something. Though she is in the process of playing matchmaker I do believe."

"Now that is assistance I do not want," Dumbledore laughed.

"What, do you not trust my wife's tastes?" Nicolas asked mildly.

"I am more wary over her sense of decorum," Dumbledore snorted.

"Well she doesn't have one," Nicolas laughed. "Neither do I honestly. Got rid of them many decades ago. Pesky things, gets in the way of proper fun. You should try and do the same."

"I am an Englishman," Dumbledore smiled.

"Well no need to admit it out loud," Nicolas teased and the two men laughed some more. "How are things here? The school year is over, yes?"

"Just about. The major tests are done and it is mostly the clean-up and winding down time of the year," Dumbledore said. "We have a fine class of graduates and the year has been fairly quiet otherwise."

"That is good. I spent some time visiting Maxime a few months ago. She was getting her lot ready for this year's Fair."

"Oh wonderful. I do hope that Hogwarts can attend that soon," Dumbledore said wistfully. "It has been too long since we have."

"It is a pity," Nicolas said sympathetically. "But you have done well in bringing up Hogwarts once more. Your deeds are not going unnoticed."

"Thank you for saying that, it makes me feel better."

"I still have the ear of the committee. I would be more than happy to say a word or two."

Dumbledore hummed. "Not quite yet but I may ask you to do that in the near future. My next few years probably will not be able to provide a good showing, but I have hopes for the coming years." He smiled ruefully. "I normally have reservations against asking for such help behind the scenes, but personal pride can be swallowed for the benefit of others."