Chapter 1121: The Legacy
Chapter 1121: The Legacy
After parting ways with Dumbledore, Albert and Isabelle made their way discreetly to the house where the Lames resided. The wooden door was ajar, and upon entering, they found a house-elf who seemed to be expecting them.
Albert and Isabelle exchanged a glance, dispelling their Disillusionment Charms and disguises, leaving the house-elf stunned.
"You..." the house-elf stammered.
"It's been a while," Albert said. "How are you, Master?"
"Master is well," the house-elf replied, closing the half-open door. "He has been expecting you. Please, follow me."
The pair followed the house-elf through layers of protective enchantments and into the Lames' true residence, where they found the elderly couple enjoying tea and conversation in the living room.
The couple's physical health remained robust, showing no signs of their impending demise.
If not for the dwindling supply of the Elixir of Life that could no longer sustain them through the coming summer, they might have lived even longer than most witches and wizards.
"Abhorsen just left, and we were wondering when you would arrive," said Nicolas gently, a warm smile spreading across his face as he welcomed the pair and invited them to join them for tea.
"We ran into him on the way here. There's been some trouble in Britain," Albert said as he and Isabelle sat down on the sofa nearby.
"Indeed, things have been rather tumultuous in Britain lately," Nicolas acknowledged, aware of Voldemort's resurrection and his past interest in the Philosopher's Stone. "Perhaps you should consider staying here in France for a while."
"I'm afraid that's not possible," Albert declined, having no intention of remaining in France. He didn't feel any safer here than he did back home, trusting more in the safe houses he had prepared himself.
"That man, the one they call the Dark Wizard, is quite mad. You must be careful," Perenelle added, placing tea and sweets in front of them and pulling Isabelle over to chat.
Nicolas didn't press the issue further and instead brought up the reason for Albert's visit. "Is everything prepared for the wedding?"
"Yes, it's all set," Albert replied. "It will be held in a manor here in France, protected by the Fidelius Charm. There's no need to worry about interruptions." Knowing what Nicolas was referring to, he continued, "As for the Dark Wizard, I've taken care of it. The Aurors from the British Ministry of Magic will impersonate us and hold a separate wedding in Britain. They plan to use that event to draw the Dark Wizard and his Death Eaters' attention and attempt to capture them all at once."
"I see," Nicolas nodded in relief. "No wonder I saw such a vision in my prophecy. You always know how to put my worries to rest."
"The wedding is tentatively scheduled for the 13th," Albert said, hesitating briefly before asking, "How much longer will the Elixir of Life last?"
"There's only a little left, perhaps enough for another month or so," Nicolas replied, showing no fear of death. Instead, he smiled gently and added, "To be honest, you don't need to worry too much. For those of us who have lived this long, death is merely the beginning of another grand adventure."
Albert fell silent, unsure of how to feel about the Lames' impending demise.
Perhaps this was the best outcome for them. All he and Isabelle could do was accompany the elderly couple on their final journey.
"Oh, right, I have something for you," Nicolas said, changing the subject with a smile. He didn't want Albert to be saddened by their impending deaths.
"Oh? What is it?" Albert asked, feigning interest in whatever Nicolas had to offer, though he truly didn't care about the man's inheritance.
In Albert's eyes, the most valuable parts of the Lames' legacy were the Philosopher's Stone, which had been destroyed long ago, and the knowledge they had accumulated over the centuries, much of which he had already absorbed over the years. The rest of their wealth meant little to him.
After all, there was very little that Albert lacked.
"I think you'll find this interesting," Nicolas said, a hint of mystery in his voice as he placed a notebook in front of Albert.
Albert stared at the notebook, which was countless times older than him, and turned to the smiling old man. "This is..."
"Notes on the creation of the Philosopher's Stone," Nicolas finished Albert's thought.
"Notes on the creation of the Philosopher's Stone?" Albert was astonished. He never expected Nicolas to give him such a thing.
Isabelle also looked on curiously, evidently surprised by Nicolas' decision.
"Dumbledore would prefer that I take the secret of the Philosopher's Stone to my grave, but I've decided to pass it on to you," Nicolas shushed and gently reminded them, "Remember to keep this a secret. Don't let Dumbledore know about this. He's never been fond of..."
"I understand," Albert nodded.
Nicolas was pleased with Albert's reaction and smiled, "Go on, take a look inside."
Albert hesitated for a moment before opening the notebook that recorded the creation of the Philosopher's Stone. The contents were similar to what he had collected before, but—the Philosopher's Stone was an irreproducible miracle in the history of alchemy, born from an accident.
"An accident?" Albert murmured.
"Are you disappointed?" Nicolas asked, observing Albert's reaction.
"Not really," Albert replied softly, "It truly is a miracle."
"The miracle of the Philosopher's Stone cannot be replicated, but I'm certain you will be able to do it," Nicolas stated confidently.
"You think I can create the Philosopher's Stone?" Albert couldn't understand Nicolas' confidence, "If the creation of the Philosopher's Stone was a miraculous accident, trying to replicate it would be incredibly difficult."
"You are the most talented wizard I've ever met, even surpassing Dumbledore. Your prowess in alchemy will eventually surpass mine," Nicolas explained why he was giving Albert this notebook, "However, any skilled alchemist would find it hard to resist the temptation to study the Philosopher's Stone."
"It feels surreal and unbelievable," Albert whispered. The very thing countless alchemists dreamed of was now laid before him.
Although Albert didn't think anyone else could replicate this miracle, he had confidence in himself because he, Albert, had an advantage.
At that moment, Albert suddenly understood why Nicolas was giving him this notebook.
If he ever wanted to study the Philosopher's Stone, he would pursue it relentlessly with or without this notebook, and this notebook could save him a lot of trouble. If Albert didn't need it, he wouldn't bother researching it.
"I didn't dare believe it myself when I first created the Philosopher's Stone," Nicolas whispered, reminding him, "There's something you must remember. The Elixir of Life is not as perfect as you might imagine. While it can prolong our lives, you've also seen the consequences. When you create the Philosopher's Stone and choose to use it to make the Elixir of Life, you must be cautious, for it is a 'curse of immortality.'"
Albert closed the notebook and placed it on the table. Instead of eagerly flipping through it, he asked curiously, "What's it like to live for several hundred years?"
"What's it like?" Nicolas reminisced, "I remember traveling the world together at first, but eventually, it all became a repetition of similar experiences."
Albert and Isabelle exchanged glances.
"In fact, I feel it's better to seize the happiness of the present than to pin your hopes on the future," Perenelle smiled at Albert and Isabelle, offering them well-meaning advice.
"We feel the same way," Albert and Isabelle looked at each other and smiled.
"By the way, there's one more thing you should be cautious about," Nicolas suddenly said, "Don't get involved in Aberforth's plans. I'm sure he must have invited you?"
"Yes, but I refused," Albert replied.
"That's a wise decision. Aberforth is only interested in greater benefits, especially during these times, which could easily get you into big trouble," Nicolas sighed, "Living your own life is what matters most."
(End of Chapter)
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