With his back to the Mirror of Erised, Lucien looked at the gem in Dumbledore's hand and considered the question...
What are my thoughts on immortality, huh?
This translucent red gem should be the Philosopher's Stone, right?
Immortality, huh?
Well, it was certainly intriguing.
However, what the Philosopher's Stone granted was immortality—not eternal youth.
And that distinction was enormous.
Nicolas Flamel, the creator of the Philosopher's Stone, lived for more than six hundred years by refining the Elixir of Life from it.
But Nicolas Flamel's aging never stopped.
His body had grown so fragile that even a gentle handshake could break his bones.
To be honest, Lucien himself longed for longevity.
Because the longer he lived, the more he could experience, and the more knowledge he could learn.
This world was far too wonderful, overflowing with vast and varied knowledge.
A person's life was truly too short; if one could reach the pinnacle of a single field in an entire lifetime, that was already considered extraordinary.
Even for a genius, the amount of knowledge one could fully master was limited.
Although Wizards lived longer than Muggles—so long as they didn't go looking for death themselves—living to a hundred was quite common.
Some long-lived Wizards even reached one hundred fifty or two hundred years.
But is that really enough…?
Lucien shifted his gaze away from the Philosopher's Stone and looked at Dumbledore seriously.
"Headmaster, immortality is something worth pursuing. It would give me more time to learn more knowledge, but…"
"Is there a downside to the 'immortality' granted by the Philosopher's Stone?"
Dumbledore nodded, clearly pleased with Lucien's straightforwardness.
"You are very pure—and very honest."
"Hm. Are you interested in the principles behind the Philosopher's Stone?"
Lucien nodded without hesitation.
The Philosopher's Stone represented the apex of Alchemy.
He was truly curious: aside from transmuting lead into gold, which involved matter transformation, how exactly did the Philosopher's Stone grant immortality?
"The Philosopher's Stone grants immortality by strengthening the soul, replenishing its vitality, and firmly anchoring it to the physical body."
"However, the Philosopher's Stone cannot replenish life force. That is its 'downside.'"
The soul, huh...
Lucien suddenly realized that in this magical world, the soul was a tangible existence.
It was also a major obstacle that many Wizards inevitably faced while studying magic.
Speaking of those who had researched souls deeply—wasn't Tom the prime example?
He had split his soul multiple times and created Horcruxes, achieving a twisted form of semi-immortality.
He could even inhabit other people's bodies as a disembodied soul.
Lord Voldemort wanted the Philosopher's Stone to rebuild his physical body.
But according to Dumbledore, reshaping a body should be impossible.
However, the Philosopher's Stone could still strengthen the soul and restore its vitality—something that would be extremely valuable to Voldemort, who currently existed in a state similar to a lingering spirit.
Would Dumbledore, that farsighted old wizard, really allow Voldemort to obtain a treasure like the Philosopher's Stone?
Would he truly risk Voldemort regaining strength just for the sake of training Harry Potter?
Lucien looked again at the translucent Philosopher's Stone and suddenly asked:
"Headmaster, is this Philosopher's Stone real—or rather, does it still have the complete ability to grant immortality?"
That question made Dumbledore narrow his eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting into a subtle smile. "Oh?~ And why do you ask that?"
Lucien stroked his chin, hesitating for a moment before speaking:
"Harry and his friends believe someone wants to steal the Philosopher's Stone. I imagine that whatever information a few first-year students can obtain… anyone with real intent could obtain as well."
"I also heard from Harry that the Philosopher's Stone should be in the room guarded by Fluffy, but…"
Lucien recalled his earlier experience, a trace of embarrassment flickering across his face.
"You know… I went to 'play' with Fluffy before, and there was nothing under that trapdoor. But now everyone else believes the Philosopher's Stone is there, which to me feels like… fishing."
Seeing Dumbledore neither confirm nor deny anything, Lucien continued:
"Headmaster, I quite enjoy fishing, so I know that bait must be tempting—but it should never truly satisfy the fish."
Lucien raised his hand, pointed gently at the Philosopher's Stone in Dumbledore's palm, and said calmly:
"Even though I don't know who the fish is, I think this—this is the bait."
After he finished speaking, Dumbledore didn't immediately respond, and the entire room fell silent.
After a moment, Dumbledore exhaled softly.
"A sharp deduction. The power of this Philosopher's Stone is still sufficient for transmuting lead into gold, and for refining relatively ordinary potions, but…"
Dumbledore didn't finish the second half of the sentence, but Lucien could already guess it.
As expected, this Philosopher's Stone simply could not fulfill Voldemort's needs.
Old Dumbledore was truly an old fox.
The Philosopher's Stone was genuine, yes—but reshaping a physical body? Achieving true immortality?
Poor Voldemort… what he pursued so desperately was nothing more than a mirage.
"Headmaster, may I borrow this Philosopher's Stone for a moment?"
Faced with Lucien's direct request, Dumbledore was momentarily caught off guard.
But he quickly composed himself. Lucien was naturally a studious child, also gifted in Alchemy and deeply curious. It was perfectly reasonable for him to want to examine the Philosopher's Stone.
And as the night's conversation progressed, the more Dumbledore spoke with Lucien, the more reassured he felt about this young wizard who always managed to surprise him.
However, Dumbledore still asked first:
"Lucien, what do you intend to do with the Philosopher's Stone?"
Lucien didn't hesitate and answered directly:
"I don't really need to turn lead into gold. I'm simply curious about the difference between a potion brewed with the Philosopher's Stone and an ordinary potion."
Dumbledore nodded, a smile returning to his face.
"Curiosity is also a powerful motivation for learning. I'm aware of your level in Potions and Alchemy—well, far beyond your age group. If you are to brew a potion using the Philosopher's Stone…"
Dumbledore paused, lightly pinching the stone between his fingers.
"It needs to be done under my supervision. Is that acceptable? And as for the Philosopher's Stone itself, I hope you can keep it strictly confidential. Is that something you can do?"
Hearing these conditions, Lucien found them completely reasonable.
After all, his goal was simply to brew a potion with the Philosopher's Stone to repay the Qilin loan.
He had no intention of using the Philosopher's Stone for anything dubious.
A clear conscience fears no slander.
And besides, this was essentially personal supervision by Dumbledore.
Heh—how many people in the entire magical world could receive treatment like that?
And while being supervised, if he—as a student—ran into problems or had questions, would the Headmaster really ignore him?
Dumbledore was a true polymath in magic; his level in Potions and Alchemy was undoubtedly among the highest in the world.
"I am honored to receive your guidance."
Dumbledore and Lucien walked out of the room together.
Just as they were about to part ways, Dumbledore suddenly spoke, as if remembering something:
"Oh, by the way, Lucien—becoming an Animagus requires registration with the Ministry of Magic. Otherwise, if an unregistered Animagus is discovered, they will be sent to Azkaban."
Hearing this, Lucien almost wanted to curl his lip.
Illegal Animagi?
There were probably quite a few of them.
Like Harry's father, James Potter, and his friends—they were all unregistered Animagi.
And that certain reporter from The Daily Prophet, a woman who embodied the very spirit of journalism, was also an Animagus—a beetle, no less.
There was simply no helping it. An Animagus's ability to hide was far too effective.
Once transformed into an animal, ordinary magic couldn't detect the Wizard beneath the form.
Lucien remembered that the Ministry of Magic currently had only seven registered Animagi.
Professor McGonagall was one of them.
Well, with Professor McGonagall's personality—and as a Hogwarts Professor—she naturally wouldn't hide her Animagus identity.
Heh. There was no way there were only that few real Animagi in the world.
Lucien thought back on the things he had already done using his Animagus ability, and yes—it was unbelievably convenient.
If some Wizards liked secretly tailing others, spying on their lives, or simply enjoyed interacting with people while in animal form… tsk, they would be even less likely to register with the Ministry.
Wasn't that female reporter the perfect example? Relying on the small, inconspicuous form of a beetle, she could slip into any place and dig up exclusive stories.
Seeing Lucien remain silent for a moment, Dumbledore lightened his tone and added:
"Of course, as long as you aren't discovered, it isn't considered a violation."
After speaking, Dumbledore even winked at Lucien.
Lucien couldn't help but sigh inwardly—Old Dumbledore really was generous with the young Wizards he favored.
Newt, James, and even the future Harry… all treated the same way.
"If you want to register, I can take you to the Ministry of Magic myself," Dumbledore added.
"I have a few friends there, and the process would be quite easy."
Dumbledore's connections were practically everywhere.
Hearing this, Lucien felt it was more like a gentle reminder.
Either openly acknowledge his Animagus ability and register properly…
Or keep it carefully hidden, making sure no one—not even the Ministry—found out.
Actually, it didn't matter that much.
His Animagus form wasn't limited to just one creature. He could transform into anything he wanted.
Even if one particular animal form became widely known and people began guarding against it.. Well, he could simply switch to another.
"You can think about it first. Tell me your answer when summer vacation arrives."
Hearing Dumbledore say this, Lucien replied:
"Thank you for your understanding and ..tolerance."
…
"Lucien, last night I found a—a very magical mirror!"
"Yes, yes! I went with Harry afterwards to see it too. In the mirror, I saw myself becoming Student Council President and Quidditch Captain!"
Lucien ate his breakfast while listening to Harry and Ron excitedly recount their experiences from the previous night.
"Lucien, do you want to go see it together tonight?"
Before Lucien could respond, Ron opened his mouth, hesitated, and then held back his words.
Ron actually wanted to persuade Harry not to sneak out again at night; the two of them had almost run into Mrs Norris the last time they went.
But Ron also understood Harry's yearning to see his family in that mirror.
Seeing the difference in their reactions, Lucien understood immediately.
Ron had only seen achievements he desired—hopes of standing out from among his brothers. That novelty would fade quickly for a child.
But Harry… Harry was different.
He saw his family.
He longed for kinship.
This wasn't something that could be eased by seeing it once or twice.
Lucien shook his head.
"Nah. Just be careful when you go, and watch your safety."
He had no intention of telling Harry not to cling to those beautiful illusions.
Because Harry was a child who had suffered greatly. At the very least, in that mirror, he could experience the warmth of a family reunion.
Besides, Dumbledore would guide him—Harry would not remain lost in it forever.
…
Holidays passed quickly.
With the Young Wizards returning to school, the entire castle became lively once more.
However, compared to last semester, the students seemed even busier now.
Many walked around carrying thick piles of books and notes.
The library was packed with students studying intensely—either flipping through heavy tomes or scribbling on parchment with their quills… Most of them were older students.
There was no helping it; the fifth-years had O.W.L.s, and most seventh-years were preparing for their N.E.W.T.s.
The results of these exams were directly tied to their future career paths.
Watching these busy upperclassmen, Lucien felt as if he were seeing a scene from his previous life—classmates preparing for postgraduate exams, civil service exams, or desperately arranging internships before graduation.
"You found clues about Nicolas Flamel—and even know about the Philosopher's Stone?"
Hermione stared at Harry and Ron in shock.
After listening to their story, she was genuinely incredulous.
She had only gone home for Christmas—how had the investigation progressed this far without her?
"Oh, you don't know. On Christmas morning, Harry and I… Thanks to that lucky bird!...."
Hermione found Ron's explanation absurd. An owl knocking down a Chocolate Frog card was, at best, a coincidence. Lucky bird? Ridiculous.
But before she could argue, Harry nodded vigorously.
"That's right, it really was a lucky bird!"
"That night, I almost got..."
"I'm sure of it. The owl that saved me was the same one we saw on Christmas morning!"
Seeing the absolute certainty on both boys' faces, Hermione found it hard to believe these two had managed to uncover anything about Nicolas Flamel or the Philosopher's Stone on their own.
"We just got lucky. Lucien is the one who found the real information about Nicolas Flamel and the Philosopher's Stone in a book."
Hearing Harry say this, Hermione nodded, then glanced at Lucien—who was quietly reading nearby—and suddenly understood.
"That's not surprising. That's not surprising at all."
________
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