Night.
The Hogwarts Headmaster.
Dumbledore and Snape were talking, and the atmosphere didn't seem too harmonious.
"Severus ..." Dumbledore began, somewhat troubled, "Actually, the professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts has already been chosen."
Snape scoffed. "Lockhart?"
"He certainly couldn't be Death Eaters or a dark wizard, but he's just a good-for-nothing who only brags about himself in books."
"If you ask me, even Filch's cat is more useful than him."
He spoke very bluntly.
Dumbledore shrugged helplessly. "If there were other candidates, I wouldn't choose him either."
"The textbooks he made the students buy were way too expensive."
"But Severus," Dumbledore sighed, somewhat complaining, "My old friends avoid me every summer."
"They wouldn't even open the door for me, let me in for a cup of tea. It really hurts me."
Snape volunteered, "I can also serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Headmaster Dumbledore, I think I've mentioned it many times already."
"Yes, yes," Dumbledore nodded.
"But Severus, you have way too much work, and..."
He originally wanted to say, "And your safety is extremely important; nothing can happen to you."
But when the words were about to come out, he felt that saying them would be unfair to the other Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, so he stopped himself.
Snape remained silent, his face grim.
Would you like some candy?
Dumbledore, as if comforting his student, waved the Lemon Sherbet candy in his hand at him.
Snape silently shook his head.
This was already his sixth time applying for the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.
It was still unsuccessful this year.
As he remained silent, an owl carrying a letter flew down from the high window and landed on Dumbledore's desk.
"Well then... goodbye, Headmaster Dumbledore."
Snape glanced at the owl and prepared to get up and leave.
"No need to rush, Severus."
Dumbledore raised his hand to stop him, took the envelope and glanced at it. "It's a letter from Nicolas Flamel. Come and read it with me."
Snape showed no interest and politely declined, saying, "I'm sorry, I think I have something else..."
"It's probably about Silan," Dumbledore said.
Upon hearing this name, Snape turned and walked over to Dumbledore.
"Ah... Severus, what did you just say?"
"I mean, let's take a look together."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
Snape answered succinctly, his eyes quickly scanning the envelope.
It does indeed have Nicolas Flamel's name written on it.
This puzzled him.
"How did Silan get involved with Nicolas Flamel?"
Dumbledore opened the envelope, glanced at it, and then his expression turned strange.
There was shock, doubt, and some self-doubt.
Out of politeness, Snape did not look at the letter while he was reading it.
Seeing Dumbledore's complicated expression, he asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
"Take a look."
Dumbledore handed the letter to Snape, then leaned back in his chair, somewhat lost in thought.
Nicolas Flamel's words echoed in his mind.
What does "not dying first" mean?
Snape took the letter and glanced at it briefly.
The information above is very simple.
It seems that Nicolas Flamel intended to test Silan.
If he passes the test, Nicolas Flamel will take him as his disciple.
Furthermore, in order to complete this test, Nicolas Flamel decided not to die yet.
Finally, it was decided that Dumbledore would pick up Silan a few days later.
Nicolas Flamel wanted to teach Silan for two more days.
"You mean..." Snape hesitated for a moment, "Nicolas Flamel intends to take Prewett as his disciple?"
Although the academy system is now the mainstream educational system in the Wizarding World, the master-apprentice system still exists.
Furthermore, the master-apprentice system fosters a closer relationship.
But Snape never expected that the Alchemy who had lived for over 600 years would take a liking to Silan.
How did they connect?
The culprit Dumbledore, gave a vague "uh-huh" and nodded.
"Obviously."
Snape frowned, somewhat displeased.
While Alchemy is quite good, Potions, as a mainstream discipline, are no less impressive.
Prewett shouldn't waste his Potions talent.
Snape thought to himself, "I'll have to talk to him when school starts."
Dumbledore stared blankly at the envelope on the table, his mind racing with thoughts.
Both were preoccupied with their own thoughts and neither wanted to talk.
So we just left.
At the same time.
Silan remained at Nicolas Flamel's residence, continuing to organize the notes he had left behind.
"Sir...it's very late, you should rest," Books said.
Silan stretched her stiff neck and glanced at the clock on the wall.
"It's only 10 o'clock, it's still early," Silan said to Books. "You go and rest, don't worry about me."
"That won't do, sir." Books shook his head quickly.
"My master instructed me to take good care of you; it is my duty."
"Okay, please remind me again at twelve o'clock."
"Yes, sir. I'm in the next room. Please feel free to contact me if you need anything." Books bowed repeatedly to him, carefully walked out, and closed the door behind him.
Since learning that Silan might become Nicolas Flamel's apprentice, Books has become even more respectful towards him.
Nicolas Flamel had neither children nor disciples.
If Silan can pass the test and become his disciple, then Silan might inherit his wealth.
Of course, this includes Books.
Books dared not be negligent in the face of his future master.
Silan cast a spell to brighten the surrounding lights, poured himself a Potions to energize himself, and continued organizing Nicolas Flamel's notes.
He now spends his days listening to Nicolas Flamel's lectures and his evenings almost entirely organizing his notes.
The only respite he had during that time was writing letters to Hermione.
To be honest, his summer vacation was even more tiring than when he was studying at Hogwarts.
Fortunately, he could brew Potions to refresh himself.
After Nicolas Flamel wrote to Dumbledore, Silan stayed here for a few more days.
During this time, Melba traveled between Paris and England, bringing back letter after letter from Hermione.
By the time Hermione's letters were stacked up to about the height of her hand, almost half of summer vacation had passed.
Today is the day Dumbledore comes to pick up Silan.
Silan's work on organizing Nicolas Flamel's notes is nearing completion.
"Albus, you've come." Nicolas Flamel welcomed Dumbledore into the house.
Where is Silan?
"They're still in the library. They said they have a few last things to take care of. Please have a seat."
Dumbledore glanced in the direction of the library and sat down in the living room.