Chapter 256: What's Going On?
Chapter 256: What's Going On?
"Albert is not only a genius in languages, but he excels in other fields as well."
A voice rang out from the entrance of the hall, and in strolled a man in a trench coat whom Albert had met once before, Gerber Smith. "I've read several of his papers published in academic journals, and the range of topics is enough to make most self-proclaimed geniuses blush."
"Including you?" The elderly French man tilted his head in inquiry.
"Including me," Gerber readily admitted.
Albert, for his part, was speechless. He wasn't one to boast about his abilities, but with the panel's help, he could certainly pretend to be a genius.
However, Albert was a humble person and disliked bragging, even if the compliment sounded nice.
"So, child, what are you best at?"
Finally, someone present couldn't resist their curiosity and posed a question to Albert.
"What am I best at?" Albert paused, considering the question carefully before replying, "At the moment, it would probably be Ancient Runes. I've spent a lot of time and gained quite a bit of experience in that area."
This time, Albert replied in Ancient Runes.
The other wizards in the room conveniently ignored the part about 'experience', as they couldn't quite understand what he meant. Moreover, the fluency with which Albert spoke, even those familiar with Ancient Runes might not match his level of proficiency.
"It's somewhat related to alchemy, but still leans more towards languages." The elderly man with the monocle and gloves introduced himself, "Metal Craftsman, Jaron Bald, creator of the Golden Snitch."
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jaron Bald," Albert shook his hand.
"If, and I say if, you are interested in metal crafting after your graduation, consider becoming my apprentice. It's not easy to find a suitable apprentice these days." Jaron Bald smiled at Albert, "It's a very promising profession, as we continuously provide new Golden Snitches for Quidditch matches."
"I heard that the Golden Snitch is never touched by bare skin before its release, and gloves are always worn during its creation," Albert inquired, "And when there's a dispute during a match, it can identify the first person who touches it?"
"Yes, yes, Mr. Anderson, it seems you know a thing or two about the making of the Golden Snitch." Bald winked at Albert, "If you're interested, feel free to write to me."
"Bald, are you trying to poach my potential apprentice?"
Suddenly, a voice interrupted their conversation, unable to hold back any longer.
"I believe this is our first time meeting, Mr. Anderson. I'm Sierra Harris, and we've already corresponded several times through letters." Sierra Harris stepped forward and shook Albert's hand, smiling at Jaron Bald. Although they were both experts in alchemy, their specific areas of expertise were mostly different.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Sierra Harris," Albert extended his hand in greeting. With this, everyone understood that Albert was the guest they had all been waiting for, brought here to show off and introduce him to their circle.
"We just hit it off quite well," Jaron Bald smiled back at Harris, not taking offense.
"By the way, very few people showed up this year!" Sierra Harris changed the subject and sat down next to Albert, with Gerber Smith on his other side.
"Yes, very few. But it doesn't matter now that we're all here." Professor Broad took the conversation in a new direction.
"Speaking of which, even Nicolas didn't show up," Sierra Harris frowned, "He told me he would be attending this time."
"Who let Gobarot tease him about his elixir of life formula last time?"
"He tricked us with a fake formula," Gobarot said, although he didn't really take the matter to heart. While they were indeed interested in the Philosopher's Stone, they had no intention of actually going after it. That was Nicolas' lifeline, and aside from whether they could get their hands on it or not, if they did succeed, their lives would be forfeit.
Moreover, Nicolas Flamel had lived for several centuries and was an incredibly powerful wizard in his own right. His residence was protected by layers of security, with the final safeguard being the Fidelius Charm, and their old friend Dumbledore was the Secret-Keeper.
And even if one managed to obtain the Philosopher's Stone, they would still need to know how to concoct the elixir of life.
"Nicolas is facing some troubles and couldn't make it this time," Professor Broad explained helplessly.
"I'm curious, who could possibly cause trouble for him?" The other elderly French man asked.
"A mysterious person!" Professor Broad lowered his voice.
"Isn't that nameless dark wizard already dead?"
At the mention of Voldemort, everyone in the room (except Albert) showed signs of disgust. Many innocent acquaintances had perished in the last Wizarding War.
"Dumbledore says that the nameless dark wizard may still be alive," Professor Broad frowned deeply, "He must have his reasons, although it's not exactly pleasant news."
The shadow of the Dark Lord loomed over everyone present (except Albert), and no one wanted to reminisce about the unpleasant past.
"He's after the Philosopher's Stone," Harris frowned, "Trying to make a comeback with its power?"
This was certainly not good news.
"He won't succeed," Professor Broad reassured, "As we all know, that nameless dark wizard fears Dumbledore..."
To be honest, Albert was quite shocked to hear this, as he had guessed what was going on.
Wasn't this the plot of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'? Voldemort had Quirinus help him steal the Philosopher's Stone to sustain his life.
However, Quirinus' abilities were not that impressive.
There was no doubt that Nicolas was safe, and even the mysterious person wouldn't be able to get his hiding place from Dumbledore! They all knew that Dumbledore was Nicolas Flamel's Secret-Keeper.
Protected by the Fidelius Charm, no one could easily enter Nicolas' hiding place, even if they squashed their nose against the window.
"I bet Nicolas isn't happy about this. He won't be able to go out and watch operas!"
"I find Muggle opera performances rather boring. A long time ago, I went to watch one with Nicolas..." The man was about to continue his rant, but was interrupted by Professor Broad's light cough.
"Alright, enough of that. Now that everyone is here, let's begin! Who wants to go first?" Professor Broad smiled, "Any volunteers?"
At this moment, Albert was a bit dumbfounded. What did they mean by 'go first'? Why hadn't anyone told him what was going on? (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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