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Chapter 190: The Book of Abraham the Jew
Chapter 190: The Book of Abraham the Jew
By the end of September, the rainy season persisted, bringing with it colder temperatures and lengthening nights.
On days like these, Albert enjoyed nothing more than curling up by the warm glow of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room, sipping a hot drink, and delving into intriguing books.
Albert was indeed fortunate to have such comforts within easy reach.
At this moment, he was seated comfortably in a plush armchair, poring over a book borrowed from Professor Flitwick—The Book of Abraham the Jew.
Albert had been astonished when Professor Flitwick had offered him this book. He could hardly believe that such a tome, shrouded in mystery, was readily available for perusal.
But an even greater surprise awaited him. Within the pages of The Book of Abraham the Jew, Albert had indeed discovered the method for creating the Philosopher's Stone. However, aside from Nicolas Flamel, no one had successfully replicated the process.
Of course! If the recipe for creating such a powerful object were common knowledge, how could it still be so revered?
Alchemical formulas were often closely guarded secrets.
Over time, people had come to doubt the veracity of the supposed Philosopher's Stone formula within The Book of Abraham the Jew.
Professor Flitwick's recommendation of this book was akin to Charlie's suggestion that he read up on Quidditch Through the Ages when he had joined the Quidditch team. It was likely meant to provide some general background knowledge.
While Albert didn't expect any groundbreaking revelations, it was an interesting way to pass the time and gain some insight into alchemy.
For instance, the page Albert was currently studying read: "With the diligent heart of a philosopher, focus your attention on the sun, the moon, and Mercury... Within metals lies a sulfuric soul, known as the 'Fiery Sulfurous Light.'"
Without knowing that in alchemy, the sun represented gold, the moon silver, and Mercury the element of mercury, deciphering such passages would be a daunting task.
Another section described the alchemical process: "... sulfur possesses a wondrous power, capable of transforming the damp and chilly moon into the pure golden hue of the sun. However, this process requires a spiritual medium..."
Albert gently closed the book, resting it on his knees as he paused in his perusal.
In truth, he had already read through it several times, even attempting to translate the purported method for creating the Philosopher's Stone using his own understanding.
Unfortunately, the panel remained silent, offering no skills or tasks related to the stone.
This was expected, but Albert had harbored a sliver of hope that he might stumble upon a hidden treasure through the panel's guidance. Yet, it seemed his wishful thinking had led him astray.
And they had believed him, especially after learning what the stone was said to do. The idea had captivated them for a while.
What could they do? Albert had looked so earnest, poring over that ancient book with such focus, even sharing the tale of The Book of Abraham the Jew and its connection to Nicolas Flamel. He had managed to convince them, at least temporarily.
But once the initial excitement wore off, they realized they had been duped yet again by Albert's mischievous ways.
Clearly, there was more to it. While Albert's book appeared old, it was obviously printed, and someone had gone through the effort of printing it. How likely was it that the formula within was genuine?
If it were truly that simple, why had only one Nicolas Flamel emerged over the centuries?
"It is indeed the formula for the Philosopher's Stone from The Book of Abraham the Jew," Albert asserted, his expression earnest.
"Yes, yes, we know it's a precious formula," Lee Jordan said impatiently.
"What if we turn it into a hidden treasure?" George suggested, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Ever since their last adventure with the secret treasure, the group had been plotting to hide various treasures around Hogwarts.
"When do we start?" Lee Jordan asked eagerly. "Now?"
"Maybe another day," George said, stepping closer to the window and gazing out at the downpour. "This rain just won't let up."
"Not so fast," Albert replied, finishing his milk tea. "I have something else to do later."
"I hate rainy days," Lee Jordan grumbled.
Soon, they would have to brave the cold wind and pouring rain for Quidditch practice. While this was a routine affair for the Quidditch players, no one particularly enjoyed training in such miserable weather. It meant getting soaked to the bone, increasing the risk of catching a cold, and trudging through mud on the way to the Quidditch pitch.
"Won't you join them?" George turned and asked.
"Unfortunately, I have an appointment with Mr. Smith later," Albert politely declined, expressing his dislike for training in such harsh weather.
"Let's go!"
With a sigh, the two brothers headed towards the exit of the common room.
"Good luck with your training. We'll come and cheer you on at your next match," Albert said with a smile.
In fact, he was also aware that there were quite a few new players this year, and Charlie's training regime was rigorous, putting Fred and George under a lot of pressure.
Being a Quidditch player sure was tough! A few minutes later, Albert knocked on the door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. There was already a guest inside—young Master Smith.
Upon seeing Albert, the young boy frowned slightly, clearly not expecting any visitors, and got up to bid farewell and leave.
"My nephew has some talent, but he can be a bit arrogant," Professor Smith commented after the child had left, as he prepared milk tea for Albert.
Unlike Dumbledore, Rowena Smith preferred to make his own milk tea.
Regarding other people's family matters, Albert didn't know what to say, so he chose to remain silent.
"Thank you, I've finished reading this book. It's quite a fascinating one," Albert said after a moment of silence, returning _The Book of Abraham the Jew_ to Smith.
"Indeed, it is," Professor Smith acknowledged, taking the book and placing it casually on the table before handing Albert the cup of milk tea.
"Thanks," Albert replied.
They chatted idly for a while before Professor Smith picked up another book and began explaining the basics of alchemy to Albert.
Yes, basics.
However, what Albert lacked wasn't the foundation but the secret formulas of alchemy, which were often closely guarded secrets.
Soon, Professor Smith realized the issue. Albert already had a basic understanding of alchemy, but his problem was that he didn't know how to apply that knowledge.
It was like having a cup of water; it would remain just water unless you added tea leaves or cocoa powder to turn it into tea or hot cocoa, or something else entirely.
This was a bit awkward.
Professor Smith had some knowledge of alchemy, but he himself wasn't a master in the field.
While he could share what he knew with Albert, their relationship hadn't progressed to that level yet.
"I understand your situation now," Professor Smith concluded the lesson and, looking Albert over, said, "You're limiting yourself."
"Limiting myself?" Albert was taken aback, not quite grasping what those words meant.
"I'm talking about the extent of your knowledge," Professor Smith explained, taking a sip of his milk tea. "Alchemy covers a wide range of topics, but the amount you've learned so far is insufficient. This directly restricts the scope of your thinking, making you feel lost and unable to create anything of significance."
"Can't you teach me?" Albert asked.
"Teaching you the basics at this point would be pointless," Professor Smith shook his head. "I recall that you're acquainted with Mr. Broad, aren't you?"
"Oh, you mean Professor Broad. Yes, we know each other and have been corresponding through letters recently," Albert nodded.
"Alchemy encompasses a lot of things," Professor Smith said. "I think what you lack the most right now is knowledge. This is currently your biggest problem, and I believe that in another two or three years, you won't face such issues anymore."
"Wait another two or three years?" Albert was perplexed. By then, the opportunity would be long gone.
"I can write a letter to Mr. Broad to see if he can recommend you to one of my elders," Professor Smith suggested.
"An elder?" Albert suddenly thought of someone.
Gerber Smith? The elderly man he had met at the lake cottage?
"Right, and there's also Mr. Sierra Harrises," Professor Smith snapped his fingers and continued, "He's also very skilled in alchemy."
"This..." Albert was bewildered.
"I'll write you a letter of introduction," Professor Smith smiled, "and you can prepare a letter first, outlining the problems you've encountered in your study of alchemy."
Albert nodded, understanding Professor Smith's intention.
"I think you'll receive a response soon," Professor Smith said.
"Thank you, Professor Smith," Albert expressed his gratitude.
"You're welcome," Professor Smith replied. As he watched Albert's departing figure, the smile on his face faded, replaced by a look of confusion and puzzlement.
It wasn't Professor Smith's idea to introduce Albert to Sierra Harrises and Gerber Smith; it was an invitation from Gerber Smith to invite this young wizard to join them.
Genius and talent in alchemy—these two factors were enough.
Although Professor Smith was a bit suspicious, he had experienced something similar in the past.
However, he still felt that something was amiss. "Is he really being valued solely for his talent? Could it be... like with McDougall? But, as far as I know, Albert is a Muggle-born wizard."
(End of Chapter)
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