Chapter 172: Jest of the Mirror

In the glow of the lamplight, Felix Harp carefully examined the mirror on the table. It resembled a spinning top, turning leisurely.

As one of the most commonly used magical surveillance devices, if there were any suspicious individuals nearby, it would light up and spin rapidly. Certain special mirrors would even emit piercing alarm sounds.

In truth, Felix was no stranger to this alchemical creation. The very first book he saw upon his return to Hogwarts, "Secrets of Ancient Alchemy," introduced the crafting methods of seven types of mirrors.

Functioning as detectors, they contained detailed instructions on crafting mirrors specifically for detecting dark magic, lies, and even particular groups of people.

At this moment, what puzzled him was whether this pocket-sized mirror was just a casual gift from Nicolas Flamel or if it held some deeper meaning.

"Should I dismantle this thing?"

He twiddled the slowly spinning top, his mind filled with questions:

Nicolas Flamel clearly recognized him and mentioned having read his books through a friend's recommendation. Who could that friend be?

Dumbledore? Or some other old acquaintance?

Did the friend only read his Muggle studies work, or also his "Explorations of Ancient Magical Texts"?

Did Flamel find him by chance, or was it intentional? Could it be some sort of covert assessment?

Felix believed that if Nicolas Flamel was entertaining the idea of finding an heir, he fit the bill perfectly. Alchemical creations and magical text creations had deep connections, and as the most famous alchemist, Flamel could surely discern this connection.

In fact, Felix even suspected that Flamel might possess a far greater understanding of practical ancient magical texts than he did.

With these thoughts, Felix felt a twinge of excitement.

Yet, Flamel simply departed without saying much, leaving behind only a mirror. What did it mean?

Could it be that the mirror glowed during their conversation?

Felix: "..."

After some hesitation, he finally made up his mind. Half an hour later—

He stared at the components on the table, lost in thought. There was no hidden magic, no concealed note—nothing at all.

'Did I guess wrong? Is he just an ordinary, frail old wizard?'

Now, he had only one way to confirm: if the old wizard was Nicolas Flamel, there was one person who would definitely know something.

In the evening hours, Felix intercepted Dumbledore as he exited the Great Hall, appearing somewhat weary.

Felix inquired, "Headmaster Dumbledore, any progress in the discussions?"

"You could almost consider this thing nonexistent."

Descending the steps, they arrived in the courtyard, gazing at the stars above. Dumbledore continued, "All I've heard these past few days are complaints and excuses. There are too few who can truly shoulder the responsibility."

Felix wasn't entirely understanding. "Where's the problem? In theory, the goals of the Reform Society are quite clear, whether to amend the laws or not. If amendments are needed, which specific sections, and to what extent? There shouldn't be no progress at all."

Dumbledore patiently explained, "You're oversimplifying things, Felix. Everyone has different demands, and the matters up for discussion are equally diverse. Whether to modify the laws, whether the Reform Society should face consequences, whether the American Magical Congress should offer compensation..."

"Even Fudge wrote from miles away, implying I should aid the French Ministry, seeking greater advantages."

Surprised, Felix remarked, "What's it to do with him? He can't even scrape together a single Knut."

"He has you and Credence," Dumbledore wisely pointed out. "Furthermore, money isn't always the most important factor. Throughout recorded history, official communication between the magical worlds of America and Europe has been nearly nonexistent. They hope to break America's current magical status quo."

Felix asked, "How will they do that?"

"Starting small, like student exchanges or co-hosting major events; looking at the bigger picture, it's about radiating influence beyond our own country and gaining various benefits..."

Felix Harp shook his head. That was certainly beyond his thoughts.

"I'm quite hopeful about that student named Euriah," he changed the subject.

"Ah, he does have a lot of courage," Dumbledore said. "I will do my best to seek clemency for him."

Felix curved his lips into a smile.

After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "Headmaster Dumbledore, I think I saw Nicolas Flamel today..."

Dumbledore looked at him, his gaze calm. "I mentioned you to him. In recent months, his interest in you has clearly risen."

"Why would he be interested in me?" Felix's heart suddenly raced.

"I believe," Dumbledore blinked and offered a smile, "it might be related to exchanging knowledge about alchemy with you."

"Really? But he didn't leave any contact information."

"That's to be expected. Nicolas rarely goes out; most of his time is spent in his safe house. There are only a few who can contact him." Dumbledore retrieved a photograph from his pocket and handed it to Felix. "He left this for you. You can communicate through pictures of Nicolas."

Felix took it, finding it blank.

"He's not currently present," Dumbledore explained.

At the end of the conversation, Felix couldn't help but ask, "Dumbledore, do you know what it means to give someone a mirror as a parting gift?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Perhaps, it's just that he had nothing else in his pockets to give?"

Felix returned to his room with a dark expression. He glanced at the mirror parts on the table, almost tempted to cast a smashing spell on it.

"But I won't!"

Through gritted teeth, he said, "One day, I'll give you a mirror too, and let you guess my intentions."

"Oh? That's quite a good idea, a mirror... It's a magical creation with a very low minimum and a very high maximum. There's a lot of subpar junk on the market, but even Gringotts wouldn't refuse to use high-quality mirrors."

"Mirrors are somewhat similar to magical puppets in certain aspects. They could supplement courses or be part of the curriculum for the Magical Texts Club."

Felix's thoughts started to branch out. By the time the new school year began, in addition to regular classes, he would also have the Dueling Club and the Magical Texts Club to manage. It seemed like his plate was getting fuller.

"I should invite another professor to teach the Defense Against the Dark Arts class full-time. It's usually just me and Severus. After the school year begins, the pressure will be substantial."

"Who should I invite?"

"Flitwick? McGonagall? Or perhaps the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor? I haven't heard Dumbledore's choice yet."

Early the next day, Felix bid farewell to everyone. It was his first time meeting the President of MACUSA and the Minister of Magic from France. They exchanged polite pleasantries, and the French Minister even hinted at recommending him to join the Order of Merlin, which he politely declined.

Felix Apparated directly.

As Hagrid's cabin appeared in the distance, he felt a long-lost sense of calm and joy.

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