Goodbye, Fleur

Later, Tom met Nicolas Flamel's wife Perenelle Flamel, in a tea room.

The old lady was in a similar state to Nicolas Flamel; she didn't have much energy each day. Tom chatted with her for a few minutes, then tactfully took his leave.

However, the old lady had a good impression of Tom and invited him to have morning tea with her the next day, to Tom readily agreed.

After leaving the tea room, Nicolas Flamel took Tom to the place he was most looking forward to: the library.

The old man took out a notebook, the first page of which listed dozens of book titles, and the rest was filled with densely packed book titles.

"This is your task: read the books in the order listed above. I will check your progress every day."

"If you have any questions, save them for now, and I'll answer them for you all at once every three days."

Tom nodded seriously, took the notebook, and flipped through a few pages.

The book title, author, publication year, and location on the bookshelf are all clearly labeled.

Tom scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly:

"Teacher, can I start the lesson tomorrow? I have a friend in Paris, and I had arranged to meet her."

"Friends? Male or female?" The old man instantly reverted to his usual lewd self, leaning closer and winking with a gossipy grin.

"She's a girl," Tom said vaguely, briefly explaining Phoebe's situation.

He didn't mention how the two met, nor did he mention the dragon-slaying incident.

Nicolas Flamel and Albus Dumbledore very good relationship, but Nico wasn't as honest as Newt Scamander.

Tom chose to keep something to himself; after all, there's no need to reveal your hand too readily. Even if you don't play dumb to outsmart others, you still have to be careful.

"Alright, alright, you're even better at playing the game than I was back then. You have sisters on both sides, right?"

Nicolas Flamel nodded repeatedly, and seeing Tom's face darken, he deliberately patted him on the shoulder, his teasing expression impossible to hide.

Suddenly, Tom tensed up and instinctively shifted to the side.

With a crisp "crack," Nicolas Flamel's hand, which was resting on his shoulder, snapped off.

"You little rascal, you're pretty vengeful." Nicolas Flamel said, both amused and exasperated, as he casually picked up his severed hand.

With a flick of his fingertip, golden light shimmered at the broken edge, and his hand was reattached. "The advantage of alchemy. If a part is broken, it can be repaired and still be used."

"No wonder you, a Muggle-born, were sorted into Slytherin; you're quite cunning."

"No, no," Tom said innocently, waving his hand. "Young people are strong, he just moved a little by accident, please don't overthink it."

"Alright, alright, stop pretending. Go find your Veela sister, don't keep the little girl waiting until she cries."

Nicolas Flamel smiled and granted Tom free access to the manor, then leisurely went to the library to read.

The doorbell of Phoebe's house rang abruptly, "Ding-dong—ding-dong—".

Phoebe first urged Gabrielle to go upstairs quickly, then gripped her wand tightly and cautiously approached the door, her expression wary.

Those who can find her house are all her parents' friends; they wouldn't come over when the adults are at work. Could it be that some kind of Acolyte has come knocking on her door?

She peered through the peephole, and her wariness vanished instantly, replaced by a look of pure delight.

Phoebe flung open the door and rushed forward, grabbing Tom's arm tightly.

Tom! What brings you here!

"Wow, so welcoming?" Tom hadn't expected such Fawley as soon as he opened the door, and a rich aroma filled his nostrils.

He chuckled and patted Phoebe on the back. "See? I told you I'd come to Paris to see you. You kept your word, didn't you?"

"Hmph!" Phoebe then remembered her previous grievances and pretended to be angry as she pushed him away.

With puffed-out cheeks, she said, "Summer vacation is already halfway over, you must have forgotten about me!"

"Hey, I can't forget you, no matter who else I've forgotten," Tom paused deliberately, looking at Phoebe's eyes that lit up instantly.

She added, "Of course, we can't forget our lovely Gabrielle."

"Aaaaah! Tom, you bastard!" Phoebe instantly bristled, her little fists pounding Tom's chest, her puffed-up face looking exceptionally adorable.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle, who had been secretly peeking through the railing on the stairs, lit up instantly when Tom mentioned her.

She ran downstairs, pushed aside the still-aggressive Phoebe, and clung to Tom like a koala, her arms and legs tightly wrapped around him.

"Brother Tom! You've finally come to see Gabrielle!"

"Oh my, our Gabrielle has grown even cuter," Tom said, gently lifting the little girl up with one hand.

With his other hand, he gently pinched her smooth little face. The little girl didn't get angry at all; instead, she giggled.

She then took the opportunity to complain to Tom, "Brother Tom, my sister is so mean! She deliberately made me go upstairs just now to hide you and prevent me from seeing you!"

"Gabrielle!" Phoebe glared at her sister, both angry and anxious. "How was I supposed to know it was Tom?"

"I'm letting you go upstairs to protect you. Bad guys love to kidnap little girls like you!"

As she spoke, she glared at Tom fiercely, her eyes seeming to say: You're the one who corrupted my sister.

Now that Tom was backing her up, Gabrielle wasn't afraid of Phoebe anymore. She stuck her tongue out at her and then urged Tom to carry her inside.

Phoebe shook her head helplessly and turned to find Tom a brand new pair of slippers.

The three entered the living room, where magical building blocks were scattered on the carpet, indicating that Phoebe had been playing with Gabrielle.

Tom's eyes lit up, and he casually coaxed, "Gabrielle, your Tom wants to see your block creations. Can I take a look?"

The little girl immediately ran off to pile up blocks, obediently making room for the two of them.

Tom didn't shy away from it and moved closer to Phoebe, sitting down right next to her.

From behind, the two looked like they were snuggling together, appearing very intimate.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have prepared in advance." Phoebe's cheeks flushed slightly, and her voice softened.

"I went to United States, and communication was too troublesome," Tom said with a smile, taking out two small boxes. "These are gifts I brought back for you. See if you like them."

The box contained two Thunderbird models, which were originally made from ordinary feathers.

Tom specially replaced the feathers with real Thunderbird feathers, which looked glossy and lifelike.

"And this." He then took out souvenirs from the four colleges of Ilvermorny, Phoebe curiously picked them up one by one to examine them.

Finally, she chose the Wampus House badge, her eyes beaming with joy. The color and design perfectly suited her aesthetic.

"So you met Mr. Scamander this time?" Phoebe asked curiously.

"Hmm, I saw him. What, you admire Grandpa Newt Scamander?" Tom teased, raising an eyebrow.

"No, that's not true," Phoebe smiled shyly, her cheeks turning even redder.

"Our professor of Care of Magical Creatures always uses Mr. Scamander as a negative example."

"The consequence of not being able to control your pet is being banned from entering multiple countries."