Chapter 43 Nicolas Flamel - Maker of the Philosopher's Stone
The Mirror of Erised was a magical item that deeply captivated Harry Potter, causing him to spend most of his time and energy on useless fantasies.
For several days, whenever Harry had free time, he would go to that classroom and sit alone in front of the mirror, staring blankly at the images of his parents.
Although he knew it was false, he still found joy in it.
It wasn't until the third night that Dumbledore appeared in that classroom.
"There you are again, Harry?" Dumbledore stood by the window, his shadow cast across the wall next to Harry by the moonlight.
Seeing the sudden figure, Harry was startled. He immediately turned around and stood honestly beside the mirror, remaining silent.
"It seems to me that, like many others, you have discovered the endless pleasure the Mirror of Erised brings.
I'm sure you already know its magic now." Dumbledoreslowly walked up to Harry Potter. "I'll give you a hint: the happiest person in the world, when looking into this mirror, sees only himself, his true self."
"I know," Harry said. "Just like the inscription on the mirror, it shows us our deepest, most urgent desires hidden within our hearts."
Hearing this, Dumbledore smiled with satisfaction. "Harry, you are cleverer than I thought."
Harry Potter scratched his head awkwardly. "Actually, it wasn't me who discovered this, it was..."
Harry stopped mid-sentence. He just remembered that Aaron had secretly followed him, which was against school rules, and it wouldn't be good if Dumbledore found out.
"Oh! It seems there's someone else besides you who has looked into this mirror.
Harry, can you tell me who it is?"
Seeing the kind smile on Dumbledore's face, Harrybreathed a sigh of relief, feeling that the matter might not be so serious. But to be safe, he still said, "Then you must first promise me not to tell anyone, and not to punish him in any way."
"Of course, I completely understand your desire to protect your friend's feelings; that's perfectly fine.
Honestly, sneaking over to look in the mirror in the middle of the night isn't a big deal, especially since you weren't caught by Filch, which means it's as if nothing happened."
Harry was stunned, finding it hard to believe such words came from the Principal's mouth.
"What? Surprised?
I was a Gryffindor once too, and breaking school rules was commonplace.
However, for your own good, you should do less of this in the future. If you get caught, I can only deal with it officially, at most pleading for the student, though that depends on the situation."
"Alright!" Harry felt much more relaxed. "Principal, I'll tell you.
The secret of this mirror was discovered by Aaron first."
"Aaron? Aaron Gaius?" Dumbledore's expression froze for a moment, then returned to normal.
"I know him; his performance on the Quidditch Pitch is impeccable."
"Yes, that's him.
And Professor, he only saw himself in front of this mirror."
"Is that so? Then it seems I'll have to pay more attention to this excellent young Wizard in the future," Dumbledore said with a smile.
At this moment, Aaron, who was in the Slytherin dormitory, suddenly sneezed, opening his eyes from a deep sleep, and then involuntarily shivered.
"Why do I feel like someone is watching me?" Aaronmuttered to himself, not paying much attention, and pulled his blanket tighter to continue sleeping... "Harry, you must remember, this mirror cannot give us knowledge or truth.
People waste their time in front of it, even going mad." Dumbledore's words carried a hint of intimidation, making Harry turn his head guiltily.
"So!
This mirror will be moved tomorrow.
I must advise you, don't bother searching for it again in the future.
It's not good for you to get lost in dreams and forget about living."
Harry nodded silently, then put on his Invisibility Cloak and left the classroom.
Dumbledore slowly closed the door, looking at himself in the Mirror of Erised—a spirited old man holding a thick pair of wool socks.
"Aaron Gaius?
A Slytherin, and from the Gaius Family, that makes things a bit tricky!
I hope it doesn't affect my plan; otherwise... I'll just have to make some adjustments." A wise light flashed in Dumbledore's eyes, then he slightly raised his hand and put away the Mirror of Erised... The holiday ended, and the snow covering Hogwarts gradually melted. Students from various Class returned to the Castle, resuming their studies.
Library.
Aaron opened the dragon species identification guide sent by Gines, introducing Abey to its kin one by one while holding it.
Across from him, Draco was also reading a book, but his two cronies were slacking off, having directly fallen asleep on the table.
"Aaron, I really don't understand why you're showing Abeybooks about dragons; it would be better for him to look at feline books."
As soon as he finished speaking, Abey jumped onto the table and bared his teeth at Draco.
If it weren't for the many eyes and ears around, he would definitely fly up and furiously smack him twice with his wings, letting him know what dragon dignity was.
Seeing Abey like this, Draco also felt a bit embarrassed and gave a sheepish smile.
Just then, Hermione walked past Draco's back, carrying a thick, old book. She paused when she saw Aaron. "Um, Aaron, could you come here for a moment? I need to talk to you."
"Oh!" Aaron picked up Abey, then closed the dragon species identification guide. "Draco, don't wait for me later."
"Got it!"
Hermione led Aaron to an empty table, then slapped the book in her hand onto the table. After a moment of hesitation, she said, "I found Nicolas Flamel."
"Wow!" Aaron raised an eyebrow and smiled. "That's really great news.
Harry and Ron have been running to the Library every day, but each time they come with hope and leave disappointed. I was getting worried for them.
By the way, did you find information about Nicolas Flamelin this book?"
"That's right! I was planning to read this over the Christmasholiday." Hermione flipped to the introduction of Nicolas Flamel. "Nicolas Flamel is the only known creator of the Philosopher's Stone.
The Philosopher's Stone is a magical substance with astonishing magic. It can turn any metal into gold and also create an Elixir of Life, granting eternal life to those who drink it.
The only remaining Philosopher's Stone is owned by the famous Alchemist, Nicolas Flamel. Last year, he celebrated and passed his 665th birthday."
Aaron's mouth twitched. "Saying the Philosopher's Stonegrants eternal life is a bit exaggerated, but I really didn't expect him to have lived for over six hundred years."
"That's not the point; the point is Nicolas Flamel, and the Philosopher's Stone." Hermione was a bit conflicted. "I don't know whether I should tell Harry and Ron about Nicolas Flamel's identity now.
This might involve the priceless Philosopher's Stone; the waters are too deep."
"Hmm... I think it's better if you tell them.
I'm not sure about other things, but I can confirm that the books in this Library that mention Nicolas Flamel are definitely not limited to the one you have.
In other words, they will find Nicolas Flamel sooner or later.
Since it can't be kept a secret, it's better to tell them early and save some effort."
"It seems that's the only way."
"You're not looking for Nicolas Flamel because of the Philosopher's Stone, are you?"
Hermione hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "You probably guessed it, right!"
"The Philosopher's Stone is at the school, and someone is after it?"
"That's right. The Philosopher's Stone was initially at Gringotts, but now Professor Dumbledore has placed it in a room on the right side of the fourth floor, guarded by a Cerberus.
Harry and Ron will definitely jump to the conclusion that Snape wants to steal it."
"That's normal, after all, Professor Snape, who is the meanest and even hostile towards them in all of Hogwarts, fits their guess.
Currently, two things are certain: first, the person behind this has not yet succeeded.
Second, the Philosopher's Stone's hiding place is definitely not guarded by just one Cerberus; there must be other defensive forces.
That thing is too precious; what if that dog accidentally falls asleep?"
"Aaron, do you think we should tell Professor Dumbledoreabout this?"
"Better not." Aaron immediately interrupted her. "At least, not now."
"Why?" Hermione was a bit puzzled.
"Firstly, you have no evidence that someone wants to steal the Philosopher's Stone, and no direct evidence that Professor Snape is the one who wants to steal it.
Secondly, how did you know there was a Philosopher's Stone in the school?
This should be a secret, right? Don't tell me you just guessed it out of thin air."
Hermione pursed her lips. "Hagrid accidentally let it slip."
"Brilliant!" Aaron shook his head speechlessly. "If you tell Dumbledore, Hagrid will definitely be punished; that's beyond doubt.
Of course, there's also the most important point: once you tell Dumbledore, it might tip off the culprit.
You know, the Philosopher's Stone is currently protected by many layers, but if it were to be moved, the defensive strength would be greatly reduced, which would instead give someone an opportunity."