Absorbing the Philosopher's Stone

Just as he was about to sharpen his inner perception to see what the black speck was, a low, steady voice sounded beside him. "Young fellow, I think Nicolas Flamel no longer needs to agonize over whether to destroy the Philosopher's Stone!"

No longer?

Destroy it?

Luo Bin turned to look at Harry's palm and discovered that the once translucent, reddish Philosopher's Stone had become a dull black rock—the utterly worthless kind anyone could pick up off the ground.

He swallowed, then turned to the old man behind him and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dumbledore. I think I've caused a huge disaster again!"

"Again?"

"Young fellow, Nicolas Flamel discussed destroying the Philosopher's Stone with me some time ago. You've done nothing wrong. On the contrary, you, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley stood against Quirrell and the Dark Lord, and found a way to destroy the Philosopher's Stone in the process. Hogwarts is proud to have students like you!"

"Rest assured, I won't tell anyone that the Philosopher's Stone met its end in your hands."

There was a reason Dumbledore was so beloved. He possessed extraordinary magical talent and immense wisdom, yet he was also kind and good at encouraging others. He harbored no prejudice toward dark magic, Muggles, Squibs, or the like, and was exceptionally forgiving.

Luo Bin stepped forward, opening his mouth to express his gratitude, but the hot-tempered Flower Fairy, Xiao Ying, flew out first. Pointing at her slightly swollen wrist, she protested, "Old white-beard, I was the one who caught the big silver key! And I sawed through the ropes binding my master, bit by bit! Why are you only praising them? What about me, the great fairy Xiao Ying?"

"Has she... drunk a Swelling Solution?"

"Yes!"

Xiao Ying flew over to Dumbledore, grabbed