Dearest Mr. Wade Gray,
I cordially invite you to my old residence in Paris tomorrow at 3 PM.
Of course, this meeting is entirely informal, and there will be no other guests. I hope my invitation does not cause you any undue pressure, dear Wade.
Putting aside those exaggerated stories, I am merely an old man who enjoys tinkering with bottles and jars. I believe we can, like ordinary Alchemy enthusiasts, chat about all sorts of wild ideas over tea.
Enclosed with this letter is a Portkey, which will activate tomorrow at 3 PM. I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Nicolas Flamel
...
As the clock ticked closer to 3 PM, Wade took a deep breath, adjusted his collar, and fiddled with the gold coin that served as his Portkey.
The coin was roughly the size of a Galleon, with no numbers on it. The front featured a rose with a ruby hidden in its center, and the back depicted a Raven.
No one would refuse Nicolas Flamel's invitation, and Wade, naturally, was no exception. However, to avoid any potential danger, he had made his preparations.
His Wardrobe Space was shrunken down into a Pencil Case, tucked into his pocket.
On his sleeves were several black gem cufflinks; some could explode, others could unleash fierce flames, and most importantly, one of them was a Portkey to Hogsmeade, personally crafted by Dumbledore.
Underneath his outer robe, he wore an Anti-Curse Vest. Ever since returning from Gray Castle, Wade had worn this vest whenever he went out.
Though it couldn't withstand the Killing Curse or protect against a Wizard of Grindelwald's caliber, it could at least buy Wade some time in case of danger.
"It's almost three, Wade."
"Yes." Wade glanced at the clock, a smile spreading across his face. "I'll be seeing Nicolas Flamel very soon!"
Fiona reminded him, "The gift?"
"Got it," Wade said, patting his pocket.
Fiona asked again, "The Portkey?"
"Got it right here!"
The shimmering gold coin spun between Wade's fingers.
Fiona said, "If you're staying overnight, remember to let me know you're safe!"
Wade replied, "Nine PM every night, I won't forget."
Fiona looked at her son, her eyes filled with both pride and worry.
Ever since Wade started attending the magic school, he not only had to board there during term time, but even during holidays, he frequently received invitations to go out.
Fiona knew that for Wade's future, she couldn't keep her son cooped up at home forever, but every time she sent him off, she couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Mom?" Wade looked at her, asking, "What's wrong? Did I get something on my face?"
He reached up and wiped twice.
"No," Fiona said, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from Wade's forehead, smiling. "I'm just so proud..."
After a pause, she said enviously, "Just think, that's Nicolas Flamel, who's lived for over six hundred years! He might have even personally met Joan of Arc, Galileo, and Shakespeare! I can't even imagine how many interesting things you'll have to talk about with him."
Wade's fingers tightened slightly around the gold coin. He looked up at Fiona, smiling, and said,
"Whether it's in the Wizarding World or in ordinary human technology, the pursuit of immortality has never stopped. Perhaps in the future, with technological development or a breakthrough in Magic, we might also be able to live for a very long time! They say Nicolas Flamel's Elixir of Life isn't only useful for Wizards... Mom, would you want that?"
"Hmm?" Fiona was startled, asking, "Live for hundreds of years?"
"Maybe even longer," Wade said casually.
"Is that so..." Fiona thought seriously for a moment, then hesitated. "I don't know... I feel like it might be a bit scary?"
"...Why?" Wade asked, puzzled.
"Metabolism is a natural law, and humans are no different," Fiona said softly. "If the leaves on a Deciduous Tree never fell off, how would new leaves grow?"
"But," Wade said, looking at her quietly, "there are also Evergreen Trees in nature..."
Before he could finish speaking, the grandfather clock in the living room suddenly chimed.
*"Dong—dong—dong—"*
The Raven Gold Coin instantly emitted a dazzling light. In just a moment, Wade vanished from the spot.
Fiona's outstretched hand met only air, grasping at a few wisps of nothing.
She froze for a moment, then slowly withdrew her hand, pursed her lips, and sat in the chair, lost in thought for a long time.
It wasn't until she heard the sound of the front door opening in the living room that Fiona realized, with surprise, that it was already time for Ferdinand to come home from work.
Fiona rushed downstairs, taking the stairs two at a time. Ferdinand couldn't help but smile, seeing his wife moving as lightly as the wind.
"Wade must have gone to Mr. Flamel's place already, right?" he asked, taking off his coat.
"Yes," Fiona sighed.
"Don't worry," Ferdinand said. "Wade has quite a few safety strategies prepared. He'll be fine."
"I know... I'm not worried about that... Well, I am a little bit, but that's not what's bothering me..."
Fiona frowned.
"What's wrong?" Ferdinand took her arm, looking down into his wife's eyes. "Has our son finally entered his rebellious phase?"
Fiona hesitated, then said, "I was discussing something with Wade, and I think... well... I said that all leaves undergo metabolism, but Wade said there are also Evergreen Trees in nature..."
"Evergreen Trees?" Ferdinand paused. "You're upset because you couldn't convince him... for two hours?"
He glanced at his watch as he spoke.
"Help me think of a way to refute him," Fiona said, clenching her fist. "I have to leave him speechless!"
"What's the big deal?" Ferdinand chuckled. "Evergreen Trees also grow new leaves and shed old ones every year; it's just that their leaves live longer than those of Deciduous Trees, which is why they always appear green."
"Is that right?" Fiona asked.
"Of course," Ferdinand sighed helplessly. "Wade definitely knows that; he's just messing with you!"
Fiona didn't pay attention to his latter words. After a moment of thoughtful silence, she suddenly said, "So Evergreen Trees don't resist death and aging either... They just complete their life journey in a slower way."
Ferdinand had just poured himself a glass of water when he heard Fiona's seemingly murmured words. He paused, then turned to look at his wife.
"Metabolism?"
Ferdinand sighed, muttering, "Don't tell me you discussed something else besides leaves?"
He knew Fiona wouldn't hide anything from him if he pressed her, but Ferdinand didn't ask further.
Just thinking of his son, whose eyes always sparkled, he suddenly wanted a cigarette.
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