The Admiral of Hogwarts

The remaining time was very pleasant for Hugo and his sister, as they had finished their homework before Christmas, making this period very fulfilling. Besides their parents' company, they also spent a lot of time with Hood, completing numerous practical magic exercises.

In learning magic, practical application is as important as theoretical knowledge. The holiday ban on using magic was clearly disadvantageous to Muggle-born wizards like Hugo and Hermione. Therefore, for those born into ordinary families, having a place to practice magic during the holidays with guidance was truly precious. It allowed them to close the gap as much as possible with students from wizarding families.

Meanwhile, Harry, who had been determined to find out who Nicolas Flamel was, became completely immersed in the illusion of family reunions conjured by the Mirror of Erised. It wasn't until Dumbledore, who had been watching him, appeared and awakened him that he barely managed to break free from this dream.

In any case, time always passes quickly, especially the good times. Soon, the Christmas holidays ended. Hugo and Hermione reluctantly bid farewell to their parents and friends like Hood, then boarded the Hogwarts Express. Once on the train, he noticed that most people seemed to be in good spirits, indicating that everyone had a great Christmas.

Returning to Hogwarts Castle once again, Hugo felt as happy as he did when he went home before. In particular, Professor Flitwick, a professor who cared deeply about his students' well-being, had borrowed a batch of magical plants from Professor Sprout that could soothe the mind and emit a silver-blue light at night, suspending them in the air of the common room, filling the room with a faint fragrance.

The next day at dinner, Hugo received another surprise. As the most important meal of the first day of school, the house-elves had clearly put a lot of effort into making the dinner as lavish as those on holidays and the opening feast.

During the meal, everyone took the opportunity to share their holiday experiences. After all, everyone had arrived back quite late the night before, and there were classes to attend during the day. So, it was only during this dinner that everyone had enough time and energy to share their holiday lives.

Although the Ravenclaws might be more reserved usually, at this time, everyone was in the excitement of just finishing the holidays, so they quickly gathered together to talk about how they had spent their holidays. And for Muggle-born wizards like Hugo, listening quietly to the wizarding families talk about how they spent Christmas allowed them to increase their understanding of the wizarding world.

After eating his fill and gaining a wealth of knowledge, Hugo quickly left the table with Venetto and Hermione, preparing to return to the common room to preview the next day's lessons. However, when he reached the entrance hall, he ran directly into Harry and Ron, who had also finished eating and were preparing to return to the common room.

"Hey, Hugo, how was your holiday?" After all, they had shared a common adventure before and often met at Hagrid's. So, at this time, Harry greeted Hugo and Hermione enthusiastically.

"It was great, of course. Although the Muggle world doesn't have magic, and Christmas there might be a little more boring than in the wizarding world, being able to spend the holidays with relatives and friends is always a good thing."

"You're right—" Harry nodded, then exchanged greetings with Hugo and Hermione. After a few minutes, when the atmosphere had become lively, he suddenly asked Hugo, "By the way, that Nicolas Flamel—"

"Are you talking about Nicolas Flamel? I've already found some information about him." Hugo said the name in French, but saw a look of confusion in Harry and Ron's eyes, so he quickly explained, "The Nicolas Flamel you're talking about is the English spelling of that name."

"Found it?" Ron's eyes widened in shock. "But you just said you spent the whole holiday in the Muggle world, so where did you get the news about Nicolas Flamel—"

"Sorry." Before Ron could finish speaking, Harry abruptly pulled his arm, stopping him from continuing. Because he had grown up in his aunt's house and suffered abuse, Harry was more mature in his dealings with people. Naturally, he knew that what Ron was saying now was clearly inappropriate.

"It's nothing." Hugo smiled and shook his head. He knew that Ron was the kind of person whose actions often ran faster than his thoughts, so he naturally wouldn't be angry about such a thing. "But this person is also very famous in the Muggle world. According to the stories circulating there, he obtained a book called 'The Book of Abraham the Jew' and then created the Philosopher's Stone."

"Legend has it that after successfully creating the Philosopher's Stone, he obtained a great deal of wealth, then built fourteen hospitals in Paris, and built and renovated churches. He finally died in his hometown at the age of 87. When his and his wife's graves were dug up by his descendants, no bodies were found. It is said that he and his wife have become immortal."

"How is that possible? How is that possible?" Ron looked incredulous. "How could a wizard's story circulate in the Muggle world? There's the International Statute of Secrecy—"

"You're right, the International Statute of Secrecy naturally prevents wizards from exposing the wizarding world to ordinary people who can't use magic. The problem is that this law was signed in 1689, and the last story about Nicolas Flamel in the ordinary world ended in 1427, and the Statute of Secrecy didn't exist at that time." After hearing Ron's words, Hermione immediately remembered something and retorted.

"Uh—so that's how it is." After being told this, Ron realized his mistake. However, out of pride, he didn't apologize, but just shrank behind Harry. At this time, Hermione began to talk non-stop about the contents of a book that she had just remembered after Hugo mentioned it.

"—I've read about him in the book 'Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century'. According to this book, ancient alchemy involves the creation of the Philosopher's Stone, which is a magical substance with amazing powers. The Philosopher's Stone can turn any metal into pure gold and can also create the Elixir of Life, making the person who drinks it immortal."

"There have been many reports about the Philosopher's Stone for centuries, but the only Philosopher's Stone that remains belongs to the famous alchemist and opera lover Mr. Nicolas Flamel. He celebrated his six hundred and sixty-fifth birthday last year and is currently living in seclusion in Devon with his six hundred and fifty-eight-year-old wife, Perenelle."

"That makes sense." After Hermione recited the contents of the book, Harry said excitedly, "A stone that can turn into gold and make you immortal! No wonder Snape is after it! Everyone would want to get it!"

"As for why it's here, it's normal. After all, Gringotts was attacked before and is no longer safe. The safest place besides Gringotts, I think, should only be Hogwarts Castle." Harry said confidently at the end. "And if I'm not mistaken, the thing Hagrid retrieved before was the Philosopher's Stone."