Hogwarts Raven

Chapter 142: Ian and the Mystery of the Black Phoenix

In the underground room of several hundred square meters, the burning flames have been completely extinguished, and there are traces of burns everywhere. Even the twelve stone pillars in the hall were not spared.

After all, Ian had lit the Fiendfyre.

Almost all of the metal decorations on it have been burned out, but the black stone pillars still have a dilapidated appearance, which is already a demonstration of the excellent civil engineering of Hogwarts.

Fortunately, when Ian was fighting Voldemort, he still had some energy left to take care of the Mirror of Erised, otherwise such an ancient alchemical treasure would have been burned like other things.

Ian had no way to explain to Teacher Morgan. He still remembered his promise to Teacher Morgan, which was why he had to distract himself to protect the Mirror of Erised during the life-and-death battle.

All we can say is that Voldemort was fortunately weakened a lot by the [Anti-Magic Potion], otherwise everyone would be a wizard with similar magic levels, and Ian’s chances of defeating Voldemort would not be very high.

Even though his magic was blessed with extraordinary properties and he had control over magic far beyond that of other wizards, Voldemort's title of Dark Lord still had some real money attached to it.

"Reading is a good habit, and it is consistent with the usual choices of you Ravenclaw students." Nick Flamel recalled for a long time but could not find any memory of "The Legend of Wukong".

He began to think that this might be some kind of best-selling book in the Muggle world, and judging from the name, it should be related to the East. It was reasonable that he had never read it in his life.

After all, even he himself didn't know much about the things in the Eastern Continent. He had been there in the past but had never been able to study the things there in depth.

There's nothing we can do about it, since the wizards in the Eastern Continent are so xenophobic.

"Yes, being able to constantly learn new knowledge is a happy thing in itself for me." Ian quickly responded, and he was not lying.

The young wizard still didn't tell the whole truth - in fact, he himself didn't know why he saw such a scene. The book he was reading in the Mirror of Erised was particularly conspicuous.

This clearly showed that the Mirror of Erised had demonstrated its power, and it was not like Grindelwald's Boggart which was interfered with by some small tricks in Ian's spiritual realm.

Just such a desire.

It was obviously different from what Ian had always thought he would see... I don't know myself yet? Ian looked at the image in the Mirror of Erised several times.

The Black Phoenix stood on his shoulder. The little wizard who was flipping through a book even looked up at him and pointed to a classic quote in "The Legend of Wukong".

"Why not capture Azkaban and build a Galleon production factory that doesn't require payment, meals, or even accommodation?"

"Isn't it my dream to have my portrait printed on a gold galleon?"

Ian still felt somewhat doubtful.

And at this time.

"Ian has always been passionate about learning. If I remember correctly, it's only been one semester and he has already checked out 254 books from the library."

Albus Dumbledore had no doubts about Ian's words, and even explained it to Nick Flamel on his behalf, but his precise statistics were a bit exaggerated.

It is clear.

The old headmaster really paid special attention to Ian. Ian looked at Albus Dumbledore in astonishment. The young wizard even suspected that Albus Dumbledore might even pay attention to how many slices of bread he had eaten for breakfast. Well, it was okay as long as he didn't know how many pounds of fat he had pooped in a semester.

"A thirst for knowledge greater than I ever was when I was younger, extraordinary talent, a hard-working attitude, extraordinary wisdom... and this amazing luck."

"Taken together, it is clear that your name will be louder and more prominent than any of ours in the long river of history."

Nick Lemay sighed sincerely.

"It's okay, it's okay, I'm just a little bit better than my peers." Ian scratched his head as if embarrassed, but in fact his mouth was almost grinning to his ears.

He looked at the skinny great alchemist in front of him with some curiosity, "Will you be our Hogwarts alchemy professor in the future?"

Ian was of course aware that the previous professor, Arthur King, had run away. After coming out of the loop, he had searched all over Hogwarts but could not find any trace of Arthur King.

"Yes, during the last period of my life, I will be your alchemy professor, because your headmaster comes to ask me once a year." Nick Flamel was vague and did not reveal that he was here for fun. After all, he was going to be a professor at Hogwarts.

He still needs some dignity.

"Many well-established alchemists are eager to receive guidance from our new professor. I think the students in recent years will benefit greatly from this."

"Ian, you have to seize this opportunity too."

Albus Dumbledore was obviously giving a hint.

If it were a Gryffindor student, they might just laugh and say something in agreement. But Ian was a Ravenclaw student, so he was quick-witted. He immediately understood what Albus Dumbledore meant, and quickly looked at Nick Flamel with a rather uneasy expression.

"Professor, I am only a first-year student. I am not yet in the grade where I can choose to study alchemy, but I think I am definitely qualified to study alchemy with you."

Ian's voice was confident.

This also aroused some interest among Nick Lemay.

Of course, he could understand what Albus Dumbledore meant, but he didn't know much about this little wizard who had obviously snatched the task of "Savior".

Sometimes having strong magical powers and powerful spells does not mean that you can master alchemy. This world is fair, and no matter how talented a person is, there will always be areas where they have weaknesses.

"Your name is Ian Prince?"

Nick Lemay asked first.

Seeing the little wizard nodded.

He looked Ian up and down again and said, "I think you are also quite talented in potions. Well, it's not just the inheritance. We can also see this from the potion you threw at that person just now."

As a 600-year-old powerful alchemist, Nick Flamel was even still trying to concoct the elixir of life. He had certainly realized that the potion that Ian threw at Voldemort was definitely not something that could be simply concocted. The principles and wild imagination contained therein were also the reasons why he was interested in Ian.

To be a good alchemist, imagination is absolutely more important than anything else.

"Potions are just my extracurricular hobby. Alchemy is my lifelong love." Ian showed his thick-skinnedness of being able to speak to different people in a way that suits them and praising alchemy whenever he met an alchemist.

This move made Nick Lemay quite happy.

"You're into alchemy, good boy?"

This is not.

The way Ian was addressed had changed.

"Of course, professor. I've been teaching myself alchemy since before I entered school." Ian said as he was about to take out his own work, but after searching in his purse, he only found the [Enhanced Bone Crushing and Ash Raising Box].

If I take this thing out... wouldn't it only reduce the other person's favorability?

Ian hesitated.

And at this time.

Nick LeMay smiled and continued speaking.

"From what happened just now, I know that you have an extraordinary talent in magic... No, perhaps we should use the word extraordinary achievements to praise your attainments in the field of magic."

"I believe that neither Albus nor anyone else I know has such a terrible starting point as yours. Perhaps the brilliance in you is enough to be compared with Merlin."

"However, despite this, alchemy will be a brand new challenge for you. Although it is a kind of magic, it is definitely different from what you usually learn."

"Learning the contents of "Alchemy for Beginners" is the threshold to enter this field. Before learning it, "Magic Syllable Table" and "Ancient Magic Runes Simple Introduction" will lay a good foundation for you."

Nick Flamel was obviously very good at teaching students, and he covered the door to alchemy in one sentence. The two books mentioned by this 600-year-old man corresponded to the foundations of modern alchemy and ancient alchemy respectively - modern alchemy based on spells and ancient alchemy based on ancient magic words.

have to say.

Nick LeMay's recommendation is indeed very suitable for beginners.

just.

"Forehead……"

Ian was a little hesitant after hearing what Nick Flamel said.

He began to think about how to tell Nick Flamel tactfully but politely that he was now able to use alchemy to create a fully automatic alchemical guard that could beat up the little wizards.

"Don't worry, just learn slowly. I will stay in Hogwarts for several years." Nick Flamel obviously had some misunderstanding, and he comforted Ian with a peaceful face.

He really had no idea of ​​Ian's progress in alchemy.

"professor……"

Seeing that Nick Flamel was about to turn around to study the Mirror of Erised, Ian pondered for a moment and simply chose a more direct way to show Nick Flamel his current level.

"I've actually already started researching how to replicate the Room of Requirement..." Ian was afraid that Nick Flamel didn't know about the Room of Requirement, so he took out a bunch of disassembly formulas he had written down when he was researching the Room of Requirement - he took out thousands of parchments with densely written runes from his purse.

Looking down at the papers on the ground, Nick LeMay was stunned.

"?????"

He fell into a long silence.

Nick Flamel suddenly realized that he might have underestimated the child whom Albus Dumbledore praised so highly.

Just at this time.

"I told you, he was excellent." Albus Dumbledore, who was examining Voldemort's body, suddenly raised his head and said to Nick Flamel with a smile.

"..."

Nick LeMay opened his mouth.

This is more than just excellent?

You must have started learning this since you were in the womb!
Nick LeMay suddenly realized that he knew almost nothing about the child in front of him.

"What grade are you in?"

He asked in a complicated tone.

"First year, professor."

Ian tried his best to show his well-behaved disguise.

"When did you come into contact with alchemy?"

Nick Lemay's eyes twitched a few times. Obviously, he thought Ian would be older, but he never thought that he was still in the novice stage.

"A week before school starts?"

Ian couldn't quite remember the exact time.

"..."

Nick Flamel was silent again.

He had to look at the young wizard in front of him again, and he was confused. He had only learned ancient runes in his first year of learning magic and alchemy! How could someone at this age already start studying the Hufflepuff house in Hogwarts?
You have mastered magic so well!
Where on earth do you find the time to study alchemy!
Nick Flamel's gaze finally stopped on Ian's handsome face - he thought for a long time, but still couldn't figure out what door God had closed for this little wizard.

It is said that God is fair!

"When you grow up, your little brother will definitely be very small." Suddenly, Nick Lemel said this out of the blue. He admitted that he was jealous, but he still firmly believed that there were no hexagonal wizards in the world.

"?????"

Now it was Ian's turn to be confused.

He felt that Nick Flamel's "curse" was even more vicious than Voldemort's previous curse.

"Don't worry, if you encounter such troubles, alchemy can also solve related problems." Nick Flamel squatted down and looked at Ian's manuscripts under Ian's staring gaze.

"How about it? Professor... I think I should be qualified and honored to learn your alchemy?" Ian acted a little restrained.

Nick Lemay felt even more complicated when he raised his head.

You've already studied Hufflepuff's Golden Room, and you're still talking to me about your qualifications! If you don't have the qualifications, how many qualified people can you find in the wizarding world?

"Of course, no problem. This may... also be an honor for me." Nick Lemay looked at Ian deeply, his tone more friendly than ever before.

The old wizard also figured it out.

Just as countless wizards throughout history have longed to have outstanding apprentices, he also hopes that there will be someone who can walk along the road he has not completed to see the scenery ahead for him.

This little wizard is so amazing.

Isn't it that God took pity on him and sent him a successor before he died? Nick Flamel has taught many alchemists, but he has not found his true apprentice to this day.

"Maybe it's him..."

Nick Flamel's heart suddenly became lively.

but.

He was also a little curious. "Can you tell me why you want to replicate the Go-Go Room? This doesn't seem like a very attractive attempt to me, does it?"

Nick Flamel had such doubts in order to see Ian's pursuit of alchemy. He has always adhered to the concept of innovation rather than just completing masterpieces that have been completed by others.

"It's because the last alchemy professor told me that if I want to learn alchemy from him, I need to study the Room of Requirement thoroughly first."

Ian answered honestly.

For a moment, Nick Lemay was confused again.

What kind of alchemy professor would set such a threshold?
Isn't this just making things difficult for people?
"I think he must have just declined your request. Yes, that's right, that's definitely the case... In fact, he himself may not have the skills and ability to replicate the coming and going room."

"It's just obvious that your former professor didn't realize that you took his refusal seriously..." Nick Flamel stared at the "innocent" little wizard in front of him with some emotion.

He generally wouldn't belittle others, but when it comes to issues of inheritance and apprenticeships, he still hopes to eliminate the possibility of apprentices being abducted by others.

of course.

This possibility was definitely very low in Nick Flamel's opinion. After all, which alchemist in the world could be better than him? Nick Flamel wanted to teach Ian more about the evil of human nature.

Be an alchemist.

It's not okay to be too naive.

You will be deceived into working in illegal workshops.

The lesson of blood!
"Ah? Is that so?"

Ian actually thought that Nick Flamel was wrong, but he also knew that he should not refute the professor, so he could only blink with a somewhat stunned expression.

"Yes! That must be the case! I have also asked other people about your former professor, and he has never been a minute early or a minute late for get out of class."

"He obviously treats teaching as an ordinary job. Your request for help will only be seen by him as a nuisance that increases his workload."

"He is not like me. I am always in the office. You can come to me for help even at night. After all, people of my age don't need any quality sleep." Nick Lemay analyzed Arthur King's character to Ian on the spot, and at the same time took the opportunity to step on Arthur King and praise himself.

A six hundred year old man.

A great alchemist with worldwide fame.

Who would have thought that there was a hint of green tea on me.

"Nick, the last alchemy professor was actually..."

Albus Dumbledore came back and seemed to be hesitant to speak, but seeing Nick Flamel's excited and indignant tone, he finally did not interrupt Nick Flamel's green tea behavior.

Albus Dumbledore also swallowed back some of Arthur King's views and opinions - after all, they were just shocking guesses made by him and Grindelwald.

"Nothing actually! I! The most powerful alchemist of this century, Albus, do you think I don't have the ability to teach your student well?"

Nick Flamel, who had some misunderstandings again, glared at Albus Dumbledore.

"Of course I believe in your ability, there is no doubt about that." Albus Dumbledore nodded and smiled apologetically. In his eyes, Nick Flamel was also an old man who needed his emotions taken care of.

after all.

The older you get, the more like a child you become.

This is reflected in many old wizards.

"Did you hear that, little guy? Your principal knows my abilities best. Come to me when you have spare time. I will give you a private lesson."

Nick Flamel only glanced at the parchments on the ground and already had an idea of ​​Ian's attainments in alchemy. He was already beginning to feel fortunate that he was a fun person and came to Hogwarts.

"Yes! I will definitely come to find you!"

Ian was also very happy.

Although he could ask Teacher Morgan for advice on alchemy, that was an opportunity that only came once in a while. It would certainly be a good thing to have the most powerful alchemist of this century to consult at any time.

"In fact, I have more than just the Philosopher's Stone. I also have other treasures. If your learning progress satisfies me, I will definitely leave them all to you after I die!" Nick Flamel was also very happy. He looked at the broken Philosopher's Stone and began to give Ian more motivation to study.

This was obviously different from the flattering picture Ian often painted for the Dementors.

"That machine can't be given to him."

suddenly.

Albus Dumbledore reminded Nick Flamel with some concern.

"What machine?"

Ian looked at the old headmaster curiously.

"Some evidence of Nick's past crimes."

Albus Dumbledore was obviously unwilling to say more.

only.

Hearing his somewhat vague explanation, Nick Flamel immediately became unhappy. He first glared at Albus Dumbledore and then explained to the little wizard.

"It's just a metal processing machine. Well, it can make some toys that will attract the attention of the Ministry of Magic." Nick Flamel wanted to save his image.

It's just that he himself couldn't seem to find a better excuse.

"Money printing press?"

Ian showed his natural intelligence.

“An illegal money printing machine.”

Albus Dumbledore sighed heavily and corrected Ian's wording.

"The Ministry of Magic and those goblins can't be distinguished. Besides, I've never used them before..." Nick Flamel's tone sounded a little unconfident.

Ian even felt the other party's guilty conscience.

He thought of the bet of five million gold galleons that Nick Flamel had just made.

Some things seem to be much clearer.

"Professor, you have been in the secret compartment in the wall for so long, you must be hungry. Why don't we go to the kitchen to eat something? I know some of the things made by the house elves are delicious."

"By the way, we can also discuss... I want to ask you some questions about alchemy." Ian immediately took the initiative and began to show his courtesy.

“There’s still some mess.”

Nick Flamel was not tempted by the delicious food. He pursed his lips at Voldemort's body and said, "If this body is not properly handled, the dark magic on it will definitely kill many people. You are not a magical creature, but this body is the result of biological alchemy."

Nick Flamel's skills are indeed very solid and not exaggerated. He has never had any close contact or inspection, but he can conclude that Voldemort's body comes from alchemy.

"The body he created for himself using alchemy?"

Ian was also a little curious.

but.

Just as he was about to go forward to check, Albus Dumbledore stopped him.

"It's more terrible than that. I think you must be curious about why Voldemort was able to resurrect and why he did this. I will answer them for you one by one in my office later."

Albus Dumbledore obviously wanted Ian to leave now.

"What I really want to know is, will these magic runes on my body keep flashing?" Ian looked down at his still naked upper body.

The golden magic runes lit up and extinguished like breathing.

"From what I understand, it will stabilize and you don't have to worry about your glowing all the time." Albus Dumbledore's soft response was convincing.

Ian felt much more at ease.

"Okay, Professor, can I take this magic mirror? Considering that I have once again protected our school and worked hard for the safety of other young wizards?"

Ian actually wanted to say that he had shed blood for the school, but he really couldn't find a drop of blood on his body, and he didn't know if he could use his mouth ulcer to claim credit.

"Ian, being overly obsessed with the illusory scenes brought about by the Mirror of Erised will do you no good." Albus Dumbledore couldn't help but frowned when he heard this.

"I just want to study it. As you know, I am an alchemist, so I would definitely like to study this ancient alchemical creation."

Ian spoke sincerely.

Albus Dumbledore was still a little hesitant.

Nick Flamel also stood up to speak for Ian at this time, "An alchemist must have this kind of curiosity. I don't think it's little Ian who is obsessed with this mirror."

He obviously meant something.

This made Albus Dumbledore feel a little embarrassed.

"Okay, I can give it to you, but if I find that you are affected by it, I will take it back." Albus Dumbledore sighed heavily and nodded to agree to Ian's request.

This actually surprised Nick Lemay. He first looked at Ian, then at his old friend, and his expression began to become thoughtful.

He had obviously realized something.

We can guess some secrets from the fact that Albus Dumbledore was willing to hand over the Mirror of Erised and start studying the time converter.

"Thank you, Professor!"

Ian happily stuffed the Mirror of Erised into his purse. His purse could hold most of Hogwarts' purse, but there was still a lot of room left.

"I'll be waiting for you in the principal's office!"

Ian bowed slightly.

He immediately put on his clothes and walked towards the door where the black flames had been extinguished. The little wizard was looking forward to seeing the happy expression of Teacher Morgan.

Nick LeMay behind him kept his eyes on the phoenix on his shoulder.

Wait until Ian's back completely disappears.

"I guess the phoenix is ​​the reason why he was able to start his legendary journey. If the legendary certificate was so easy to obtain, there wouldn't be so many wizards who died with regrets over the years."

Nick Flamel's tone was full of certainty - defeating a Dark Lord who was not even a legend himself would definitely not allow a wizard to embark on the road to legend.

This is obviously contrary to common sense and also contrary to the world's understanding of the legendary path. Nick Flamel believes that Albus Dumbledore, who has been blocked from the door to the legendary status, would not be unaware of this.

"Although I am a little surprised about this, it is happening right before our eyes after all." There was a gleam in Albus Dumbledore's eyes.

"I thought you were going to tell me that he was born a legend, so he was born with the proof of being a legend..." Nick Lemay looked at his old friend meaningfully.

"Even I can't let you reveal your inner thoughts. Tsk tsk, it seems that there is indeed a huge secret between you two. I think it must be related to why he was able to obtain the legendary certificate."

Nick Lemay did not continue to ask questions. Compared to Ian's very strange legendary evidence, he was more concerned about the mysterious black phoenix summoned by Ian.

"I must have seen it somewhere! At least a picture of it!"

The old alchemist tapped his head.

But no memory came to mind.

He had lived for too many years, and had too many memories buried deep in his mind. Seeing Nick Flamel's somewhat annoyed look, Albus Dumbledore's eyes also flashed with a trace of doubt.

to be frank.

He also felt that the thing Ian summoned didn't look like a purebred phoenix.

……

While the two old men were still in the basement room, making all kinds of guesses, Ian had already put all the broken stone chess pieces in the hall outside the basement room into his purse.

"Soul Palace Anti-Inflammation! Take me to the principal's office! It's up there! Right here!"

Ian grabbed the Dark Phoenix by the neck and pulled it off his shoulder. He was still a little indignant that Voldemort's soul was taken away by the Dark Phoenix.

"Jiejiejiejie~"

The Black Phoenix let out two creepy cries again, then used its ability to take Ian and disappear into the dark hall. The next moment, Ian appeared in a bright room with it.

"?"

Ian took a closer look.

I was suddenly confused.

I saw.

In a warm and bright room.

Another Albus Dumbledore sat behind the desk.

He is smiling.

It seemed as if he had been waiting for a long time.

(End of this chapter)