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Chapter 493: Deciduous Trees and Evergreens
Chapter 493: Deciduous Trees and Evergreens
Chapter 493: Deciduous Trees and Evergreens
[Dear Mr. Wade Gray,
I sincerely invite you to visit my old residence in Paris at three o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
Of course, this meeting is entirely informal, and there will be no other guests. I hope my invitation has not caused you any additional stress, dear Wade.
Putting aside those exaggerated stories, I am just an old man who enjoys tinkering with bottles and vials. I believe we can chat like ordinary alchemy enthusiasts, sipping tea and discussing all sorts of whimsical ideas.
Enclosed with this letter is a Portkey, which will activate at three o'clock tomorrow afternoon. I look forward to our meeting.
Yours sincerely,
Nick Lamer]
...
The minutes ticked closer to three o'clock. Wade took a deep breath, straightened his collar, and fiddled with the gold coin that served as the Portkey.
The coin was about the size of a Galleon, with no numbers on it. The front featured a rose with a ruby at its center, and the back depicted a raven.
No one would refuse Nick Lamer's invitation, and Wade was no exception. However, to avoid any danger, he had made thorough preparations.
His wardrobe, now shrunk to the size of a pencil case, was tucked into his pocket.
Several black gemstone cufflinks adorned his sleeves—some could explode, others could ignite flames. Most importantly, one was a Portkey to Hogsmeade, personally crafted by Dumbledore.
Under his outer robe, Wade wore a spell-resistant vest. Ever since returning from Gray Castle, he always wore this vest whenever he ventured out.
While it couldn't protect him from the Killing Curse or an attack from a wizard of Grindelwald's caliber, it could at least buy him some time in a pinch.
"Almost three o'clock, Wade."
"Right", Wade glanced at the clock and couldn't help but smile. "I'll be meeting Nick Lamer soon!"
Fiona reminded him, "The gift?"
"Got it", Wade patted his pocket.
Fiona asked again, "The Portkey?"
"Right here!"
The gleaming gold coin spun between Wade's fingers.
Fiona said, "If you're staying overnight, remember to check in with me!"
"Every night at nine, I won't forget."
Fiona looked at her son, her eyes a mix of pride and worry.
Ever since Wade started at the magical school, he not only stayed there during the term but also frequently received invitations to go out during the holidays.
Fiona knew that for Wade's future, she couldn't keep him locked up at home. But each time she saw him off, she couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Mom?" Wade looked at her, asking, "Is something wrong? Did I get something on my face?"
He reached up to wipe it.
"No", Fiona smoothed the unruly hair on Wade's forehead and smiled. "I'm just so proud..."
After a pause, she added enviously, "Think about it, that's Nick Lamer, who has lived for over six hundred years. He might have even seen Joan of Arc, Galileo, and Shakespeare in person! I can't imagine the fascinating conversations you'll have with him."
Wade's fingers tightened around the gold coin. He looked up at Fiona and smiled.
"Whether in the magical world or the muggle world, the pursuit of immortality has never ceased. Perhaps with future technological advancements or magical breakthroughs, we could live for a very long time too! They say Nick Lamer's Elixir of Life isn't just for wizards... Mom, would you want that?"
"Hmm?" Fiona was taken aback. "Live for a few hundred years?"
"Maybe even longer", Wade replied casually.
"Is that so..." Fiona thought seriously for a moment, then hesitated. "I don't know... It feels a bit scary, doesn't it?"
"Scary? Why?" Wade asked, puzzled.
"Metabolism is a natural law, and humans are no exception", Fiona said softly. "If the leaves on a tree never fall, how can new leaves grow?"
"But", Wade looked at her calmly, "there are evergreen trees in nature..."
Before he could finish, the clock in the living room suddenly chimed.
"Chime—Chime—Chime—"
The Raven Gold Coin instantly emitted a brilliant light, and in an instant, Wade vanished from his spot.
Fiona's outstretched hand grasped at empty air. She froze for a moment, then slowly withdrew her hand, pursing her lips as she sat in the chair, lost in thought.
It wasn't until she heard the front door open that Fiona realized Ferdinand had finished work.
She bounded down the stairs in two quick steps. Seeing his wife's light and agile figure, Ferdinand couldn't help but smile.
"Wade should already be at Mr. Flamel's house, right?" he asked, taking off his coat.
"Yes", Fiona sighed.
"Don't worry", Ferdinand said. "Wade has prepared plenty of safety measures. He'll be fine."
"I know... It's not that I'm worried... Well, maybe a little, but that's not what's bothering me..."
Fiona frowned.
"What is it?" Ferdinand held her arm, looked into her eyes, and asked softly, "Is our son finally entering his rebellious phase?"
Fiona hesitated for a moment. "Wade and I discussed something. I said that all leaves have a metabolism, but Wade said that there are evergreen trees in nature..."
"Evergreen trees?" Ferdinand was taken aback. "You've been worrying about this for two hours because he said that?"
He glanced at his watch.
"Help me think of a way to counter him", Fiona said, clenching her fists. "I have to leave him speechless!"
"That's easy", Ferdinand chuckled. "Evergreen trees also have new leaves grow and old leaves fall, it's just that their leaves last longer than those of deciduous trees, so they always appear green."
"Really?" Fiona asked.
"Of course", Ferdinand sighed helplessly. "Wade definitely knows this. He's just teasing you!"
Fiona didn't pay attention to his last words. After a moment of deep thought, she suddenly said, "So even evergreen trees don't resist death and aging... They just complete their life cycle more slowly."
Ferdinand had just poured himself a glass of water when he heard Fiona's muttered words. He paused, turned, and looked at his wife.
"Metabolism?"
Ferdinand sighed. "Did you discuss anything else besides leaves?"
He knew that if he pressed, Fiona wouldn't hide anything from him, but he didn't ask more.
Thinking of his son, whose eyes always sparkled, Ferdinand suddenly felt the urge to smoke a cigarette.
(End of Chapter)
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