Sorcerer's Stone? Bait?

With his back to the Mirror of Erised, Lucien stared at the gem in Dumbledore's hand, pondering Dumbledore's question:

What are your thoughts on immortality?

This translucent red gem must be the Sorcerer's Stone.

Immortality?

Yes, it is indeed fascinating.

However, what is gained through the Sorcerer's Stone is immortality, not eternal life.

These two are very different.

As the creator of the Sorcerer's Stone, Nicolas Flamel lived for over six hundred years thanks to the Elixir of Life he created from Sorcerer's Stone.

However, Nicolas Flamel's aging process never stopped.

The old man's body was so fragile that even a gentle handshake could break his bones.

To be honest, Lucien himself craves immortality.

Because the longer you live, the more you experience and the more knowledge you can learn.

This world is so wonderful; the variety of knowledge is simply vast.

A person's life is too short. If one can reach the pinnacle in a certain field in their lifetime, they are already considered a talent.

Even the most talented person can only acquire so much knowledge in a lifetime.

Although wizards live longer than Muggle, it's quite common for them to live to be over a hundred years old, as long as they don't do anything reckless.

Some individuals live to be 150 or even 200 years old.

But is this really enough...?

Lucien shifted his gaze from the Sorcerer's Stone and looked solemnly at Dumbledore.

"Principal, immortality is something I yearn for; it would give me more time to learn more knowledge, but..."

"Does the 'immortality' gained from this Sorcerer's Stone have any drawbacks?"

Dumbledore satisfaction at Lucien's candor.

You are pure and honest.

"Hmm, are you interested in the principles behind the Sorcerer's Stone?"

Upon hearing Dumbledore's question, Lucien nodded in agreement.

The Sorcerer's Stone is the pinnacle of Alchemy.

I'm genuinely curious: aside from abilities involving the transformation of matter, like turning stone into gold, how exactly does the Sorcerer's Stone achieve immortality?

"The method by which the Sorcerer's Stone grants immortality is actually through strengthening the soul, replenishing its vitality, and firmly fixing it within the body."

"However, the Sorcerer's Stone cannot replenish life force; this is the so-called 'drawback.'"

Soul.

Lucien suddenly realized that in this magical world, souls truly exist.

It is a formidable obstacle that many wizards cannot avoid in their pursuit of magic.

If we're talking about someone who has a deep understanding of the soul, isn't Tom?

He split his soul multiple times and created Horcrux, thus achieving semi-immortality.

It can also reside in another person's body as a soul.

Voldemort wanted the Sorcerer's Stone in hopes of restoring his physical body.

However, according to Dumbledore, reshaping the physical body is probably impossible.

However, the Sorcerer's Stone can still strengthen the soul and replenish its vitality, making it still very useful for Voldemort, who is currently in a state similar to a remnant soul.

Would Dumbledore, this shrewd and calculating old wizard, really allow Voldemort to obtain a treasure like the Sorcerer's Stone?

Would they really risk Voldemort regaining his former power just to train Harry Potter?

Lucien looked at the translucent Sorcerer's Stone again and suddenly asked:

"Headmaster, is this Sorcerer's Stone real, or does it possess the full power to grant immortality?"

This question made Dumbledore narrow his eyes, and a slight smile crept onto his lips.

"Oh, why would you ask that?"

Lucien stroked his chin, hesitated for a moment, and then said:

"Harry and the others think someone is trying to steal the Sorcerer's Stone. I think if a few junior wizards can get their hands on this information, someone with the will should be able to as well."

"I also heard from Harry that the Sorcerer's Stone is supposed to be in the room guarded by Fluffy, but..."

Lucien recalled his previous experience, a hint of embarrassment flashing in his eyes.

"As you know, I went to 'play' with Fluffy before, and there was nothing Trapdoor."

"But now everyone else thinks the Sorcerer's Stone is just there, and it feels to me like, fishing?"

Seeing that Dumbledore remained noncommittal, Lucien continued:

"Principal, I really enjoy fishing, so I know that while bait can be attractive, it won't actually fill the fish up."

Lucien pointed to the Sorcerer's Stone and said calmly:

"Although I don't know who the fish is, I feel that this is the bait."

After he finished speaking, Dumbledore did not respond, and the whole room fell silent.

After a while, Dumbledore sighed softly.

"A clever deduction. The energy of this Sorcerer's Stone is fine for turning lead into gold and brewing relatively ordinary potions, but..."

Dumbledore didn't say the second half of his sentence, but Lucien could guess it.

As expected, the Sorcerer's Stone was far from satisfying Voldemort's needs.

Old Bee Deng is a real old fox.

The Sorcerer's Stone is genuine, but can it really restore the physical body and grant immortality?

Fu Fu is so pitiful; all she strives for is just a mirage.

"Headmaster, may I borrow this Sorcerer's Stone?"

Faced with Lucien's direct request, Dumbledore was suddenly caught off guard.

However, Dumbledore quickly realized that Lucien was a very studious child with talent and interest in Alchemy, so it was perfectly reasonable for him to want to get involved with the Sorcerer's Stone.

Moreover, as events unfolded and he talked with Lucien more, Dumbledore actually felt quite at ease with this young wizard who always managed to surprise him.

However, Dumbledore asked first:

"Lucien, what do you intend to do with the Sorcerer's Stone?"

Lucien answered without much hesitation:

"I don't really need the magic touch; I'm just curious about the difference between potions made with Sorcerer's Stone and regular potions."

Dumbledore nodded, a smile returning to his face.

"Curiosity is also a driving force for learning."

"I know your skill in potions and alchemy, well, far surpassing your peers. As for using the Sorcerer's Stone to brew potions..."

Dumbledore paused, then picked up the Sorcerer's Stone with his fingers.

"It needs to be done under my supervision. Is that acceptable to you?"

"Also, I hope you can keep the matter of the Sorcerer's Stone a strict secret. Is that possible?"

Upon hearing Dumbledore's request, Lucien felt there was absolutely no problem with it.

Anyway, my goal is just to use the Sorcerer's Stone to make a potion that can pay off the Qilin loan.

It's not like we're actually going to use the Sorcerer's Stone to do anything underhanded.

A person with an upright character has nothing to fear.

Rather, it would be Dumbledore personally cared for him.

Haha, how many people can enjoy this kind of treatment?

When students encounter problems or difficulties while the principal is observing, will he simply turn a blind eye?

Dumbledore was a genius in the field of magic; his potion-making and Alchemy skills were absolutely among the best in the world.

"I am honored to receive your guidance."

(Dear readers, please continue here. б(>ε<)∂)

Dumbledore and Lucien walked out of the room.

Just as they were about to part, Dumbledore suddenly said something as if he had remembered something:

"By the way, Lucien, becoming Animagus requires registration with the Ministry of Magic."

"Otherwise, any illegal Animagus discovered will have to go to Azkaban."

Upon hearing these words, Lucien actually wanted to purse his lips.

Illegal Animagus?

I'd guess quite a lot.

Like Harry's father, James Potter, and his brothers, who were unregistered Animagus.

There was also a reporter for the Daily Prophet, a woman who was well-versed in the essence of journalism, who was also an Animagus and could transform into a beetle.

There's no way around it; Animagus has an excellent ability to hide.

Once transformed into animal form, it becomes impossible to detect its true nature using conventional magical methods.

Lucien remembered that there were only seven Animagus registered with the Ministry of Magic at the moment.

Professor McGonagall was one of them.

Well, given Professor McGonagall's personality and her role as a Hogwarts professor, she certainly wouldn't hide her Animagus identity.

Haha, how could a real Animagus be only this small?

Lucien thought about what he had done using his Animagus Transfiguration ability, and it was indeed very convenient.

If some wizards simply enjoy secretly following others, spying on their lives, or even prefer interacting with humans in the guise of animals...

Tsk, then I'm even less likely to register with the Ministry of Magic.

Isn't that female reporter an example? Relying on the beetle's small size and inconspicuous nature, she can always sneak into many places and dig up exclusive scoops.

Seeing that Lucien did not reply immediately, Dumbledore relaxed and said:

"Of course, as long as it's not discovered, it's not considered a violation."

After saying that, Dumbledore winked at Lucien.

Lucien couldn't help but sigh, Dumbledore was quite kind to the young people he admired.

Newt, James, and Harry all went through this.

"If you'd like to register, I can personally take you to the Ministry of Magic."

"I have some friends at the Ministry of Magic, so the process will be quite convenient."

Dumbledore's connections are everywhere.

Mentioning it like this is actually more like reminding myself.

Either openly reveal your Animagus identity and register properly.

Either hide it carefully and don't let anyone know, well, at least not the Ministry of Magic.

Actually, it doesn't matter, because his Animagus Transformation aren't limited to just one animal.

It can change however it wants.

Even if a certain animal form becomes well-known and is specifically guarded against.

Why not just change to a different animal?

"Think about it first, and let me know your answer during summer vacation."

Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, Lucien responded:

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

"Lucien, I found a really amazing mirror last night!"

"Yes, yes, I went to see it with Harry later, and I saw myself as the student council president and Quidditch captain!"

Lucien ate breakfast while listening to Harry and Ron recount their experiences from the previous night.

"Lucien, do you want to go check it out tonight?"

Upon hearing Harry's suggestion, Lucien hadn't yet answered, but Ron opened his mouth, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Ron actually wanted to advise Harry not to take any more risks at night, because he almost bumped into Mrs. Norris when he went there yesterday.

But Ron also understood Harry's desire to see his family through that mirror.

Seeing the starkly different reactions from Harry and Ron, Lucien understood perfectly well.

Ron had only seen the achievement he craved and hoped to stand out among his older brothers; a child's novelty would wear off easily.

But Harry was different; he saw family, and he longed for kinship.

This isn't something that can be relieved by seeing it once or twice.

Lucien shook his head.

"No need. Just be careful on your way there."

He had no intention of advising Harry to stop clinging to his so-called beautiful fantasies.

Because Harry has really suffered too much; at least, in that mirror, he can feel the happiness of family reunion.

Moreover, Dumbledore to guide Harry and prevent him from becoming obsessed with something else.

Holidays always seem to fly by.

With the young wizards returning to school, the castle was once again filled with life.

Compared to last semester, the young wizards seem much busier now.

Many students carry a lot of materials, such as books and notes, while walking.

The library was full of people engrossed in their studies, either flipping through heavy books or scribbling on paper with quill pens...

The vast majority of these students were from higher grades.

Unfortunately, fifth-grade students have the OWLs exam, and most seventh-grade students have to prepare for the NEWTs exam.

The results of these exams are closely related to their future employment.

Looking at these busy senior students, Lucien almost hallucinated his past life, seeing his classmates who were working hard to prepare for postgraduate entrance exams, civil service exams, or internships before graduating from university.

"You've found clues about Nicolas Flamel and learned about the Sorcerer's Stone?"

Hermione stared at Harry and Ron in utter shock.

After hearing what these two had to say, Hermione was truly incredulous.

The little witch wondered how her investigation had progressed so much when she had only gone home for Christmas!

"Oh my, you have no idea, Harry and I... on Christmas morning..."

"Thanks to that Lucky Bird!"

Hermione thought Ron's explanation was ridiculous. An owl swatting away a Chocolate Frog Card was at most a coincidence, but what was this Lucky Bird nonsense?

But before Hermione could object, Harry nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"That's right, that's the Lucky Bird!"

That night, I almost...

"I'm absolutely sure I'm not mistaken, the owl that saved me is definitely the same one from Christmas morning!"

Seeing Harry and Ron's confident expressions, Hermione simply couldn't believe that these two could investigate Nicolas Flamel and the Sorcerer's Stone.

"We relied on luck. The specific clues about Nicolas Flamel and the Sorcerer's Stone were actually found by Lucien in a book."

Hearing Harry say that, Hermione nodded, glanced at Lucien who was reading a book beside her, and suddenly realized what he meant.

"That's not surprising, that's not surprising at all."