- In Marvel: I Start by Marrying Scarlett Witch [Complete]
- MWM Chapter 190
On a historical-looking villa in the French wizarding street, Leo met the six-hundred-year-old alchemy master, Nicolas Flamel.
Though Flamel had achieved immortality by taking the Elixir of Life created from the Philosopher’s Stone, his body had still withered with time.
As a result, he appeared like a dried-up corpse, his skin devoid of any color, and he moved with extreme caution, as even a slight bump could lead to a fracture.
“Apologies, we may need to trouble you for two or three days,” Leo said politely.
“No worries,” Nicolas Flamel responded kindly. “Albus told me a few days ago that some friends might be visiting.”
Seeing Leo and the others didn’t surprise Flamel; he warmly invited them into his home and assigned them rooms.
Since it was already midnight, everyone quickly went to their rooms and slept.
Early the next morning, Leo woke up and went downstairs, where he saw Nicolas Flamel preparing breakfast in the kitchen with magic. He offered to help and started chatting with him.
Alchemy was a skill Leo planned to learn sooner or later, so building a good relationship with Nicolas Flamel, the most renowned alchemy master, would naturally allow him to seek his guidance later.
Older people often enjoy reminiscing, and Nicolas Flamel was no exception. Seeing that Leo was willing to keep him company and chat, his fondness for Leo increased rapidly.
Flamel spoke about being born in 1327, described the wizarding society of that era, how he developed a passion for alchemy, how he created various magical artifacts, and about his greatest achievement, the Philosopher’s Stone.
“This is the Philosopher’s Stone,” he said with pride. “It’s because of this that my wife and I have lived for so long.”
In his excitement, he opened a nearby cabinet and pointed to a glass jar inside. It contained the brilliant, glowing red Philosopher’s Stone.
Leo looked at the Philosopher’s Stone with a hint of interest but did not feel the urge to possess it.
He knew he could obtain a method for immortality in the next world, *Zu Mountain Saga*. For cultivators in that world, living for hundreds or even thousands of years was normal, and their physical abilities only grew stronger rather than declining.
As for the Stone’s ability to transmute gold, he didn’t need that now. At his current level, gold and money were no longer appealing; his company in the main world earned more money daily than he could ever spend.
“It truly is a beautiful stone. Mr. Flamel, if I have time, may I come back to learn alchemy from you?”
“Of course,” Flamel replied, pleased. “I enjoy having visitors. Albus used to visit often, but now he’s busy teaching at Hogwarts, so he seldom comes by.”
Nicolas Flamel had a good impression of Leo—polite, witty, and willing to listen to his stories. Most importantly, when Flamel showed him the Philosopher’s Stone, Leo’s gaze was clear and lacked greed, something Flamel had only seen before in Albus Dumbledore.
After chatting for a while, Newt and the others also woke up and came downstairs.
“What should we do next?” Queenie asked after breakfast.
Leo quickly shared his plan: “I suggest we split into two groups. You three should go find Tina and figure out what the International Confederation of Wizards and the various Ministries are planning. I will go undercover among the Dark Wizards to find out the exact time and location of their gathering. We’ll meet back here tonight.”
“No way, Tom,” Newt said, hesitating. “It’s too dangerous for you to go alone. Tina and Jacob can look for Tina, and I’ll go with you. It’ll be safer.”
Hearing Leo’s plan, Newt was worried. He wanted to find Tina and clear up any misunderstandings, but he couldn’t let Leo go alone into such danger. Leo was a very good friend.
Leo patted Newt on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about me. Remember, I can transform into other people without Polyjuice Potion. Going undercover among the Dark Wizards isn’t as dangerous for me. And even if I’m discovered, I can easily escape. But your face is already on the Dark Wizards’ blacklist. If you go with me, we’re more likely to get caught.”
Hearing this, Newt could only sigh. “Just be careful!”
He knew Leo was right. Perhaps it was safer for Leo to go alone.
After leaving Nicolas Flamel’s villa, Newt, Jacob, and Queenie headed back to the French Ministry of Magic to see if they could find any information about Tina. Meanwhile, Leo transformed into a mysterious figure and Apparated to Grindelwald’s base.
He didn’t need to infiltrate the base; his other identity was already Grindelwald’s top lieutenant. The reason he wanted to act separately was to make it easier to attend meetings and, later, to find time to fight Dumbledore.
If they stuck together all the time, it would be inconvenient.
Inside the base, after the meeting, Grindelwald found Leo alone.
“The gathering will be at 8 p.m. tomorrow night, at Père Lachaise Cemetery,” Grindelwald informed him. “When do you plan to make your move?”
“I will head to Hogwarts today to monitor Dumbledore and plan to strike tomorrow afternoon,” Leo replied after some thought.
Grindelwald nodded. He only needed Leo to distract Dumbledore, to shift his focus elsewhere, so that his objective would be achieved.
“Success would be great, but if you can’t, just try to escape. If you manage to make it in time, come join the gathering. You’ll get to witness the true power of my improved Fiendfyre Curse.”
“I’ll try to complete my task and get back,” Leo smiled.
He definitely intended to come, but not as the mysterious figure—he’d come as Tom Fawley, his public persona.
After spending half a day at Grindelwald’s base, Leo returned to the magical street and reverted to his usual appearance.
When he returned to Nicolas Flamel’s villa that evening, Newt and the others had already arrived before him, bringing Tina Goldstein with them.
“Tom, did you find out the exact time and place of Grindelwald’s gathering?” Tina asked anxiously upon seeing Leo.
She had been sent by her president, leading a group of Auror elites from MACUSA to Paris. They had joined forces with Aurors from the British and French Ministries of Magic, forming a special task force against the Dark Wizards.
However, their actions had yielded no significant results. They only knew that Grindelwald’s gathering was imminent, but they didn’t have the exact time or place, leaving them at a disadvantage.
“Tomorrow night at eight o’clock, Père Lachaise Cemetery,” Leo replied without hesitation, providing Tina with the most accurate information he had obtained from Grindelwald.
Grindelwald was different from Dumbledore; he would use lethal force in battle. By giving Tina and the Aurors this intel, they could prepare in advance, making it easier for Leo when the fighting began.