Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood before the reception desk of the French Ministry of Magic, facing a wizard dressed in blue robes.
"We're here to see Mr. Nicolas Flamel," Harry said. "We have something urgent to discuss with him."
The wizard gave them a puzzled look, then nodded. "Mr. Nicolas Flamel is an alchemy master at our Ministry of Magic and is very busy, but I can contact him for you. Please wait a moment."
With that, the wizard picked up a peculiar wand and gave it a light wave. A gleaming beam shot from its tip and vanished into the air. A few seconds later, an exquisite envelope appeared on the reception desk.
"This is Mr. Nicolas Flamel's reply," the wizard said, handing it to Harry.
Harry took the envelope, opened the letter inside, and began to read.
"Dear Harry, Ron, and Hermione,
I am very sorry that I was unable to wait for you before your arrival.
However, if you are willing, I can arrange a time for us to meet. Please proceed to the Alchemy Hall of the French Ministry of Magic. Once you arrive, I will come at once.
Best wishes,
Nicolas Flamel"
Harry lowered the letter and said to the wizard, "We'll go and wait for Mr. Nicolas Flamel in the Alchemy Hall."
The wizard nodded. "Please follow me."
They followed the wizard through the main hall, passed through a massive door, and arrived in a spacious, brightly lit chamber. All manner of alchemical equipment and potion bottles stood within it, and the air carried a faint medicinal fragrance.
"Please wait here and have a seat for a while, all right?" the wizard said, pointing to a set of comfortable sofas before hurrying out of the hall.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat on the sofas,