Chapter 106: Chapter -105 Hogwarts is not that safe.
Chapter -105.
The Philosopher's Stone, often referred to as the Elixir of Life or the Stone of riches, commonly appears as a radiant red crystal.
It's a remarkable entity in the world of Fullmetal Alchemist.
In that universe, alchemy operates on the principle of equivalent exchange, but the Philosopher's Stone is an exception. It acts as a powerful amplifier, granting its owner the ability to bypass this rule and transform any material they desire. Essentially, an alchemist with a Philosopher's Stone possesses near-divine powers.
While the Philosopher's Stone in the Harry Potter universe shares the same name, its functions differ greatly. In Potter's world, it is crucial for making gold and creating the Elixir of Life, serving as an essential tool for alchemy.
If the two were identical, then acquiring a piece from Neville could easily keep even the Dark Lord at bay.
The creation process for the Philosopher's Stone is rather straightforward: it requires a significant sacrifice, namely a great number of people. Although the formal method involves both body and soul, the soul is the key ingredient; the physical body holds little value in the eyes of an alchemist.
However, in Fullmetal Alchemist, souls cannot be separated from their bodies, so both are sacrificed together.
This situation differs here; the Voldemort before us is simply a persistent soul.
Dudley, in a moment of desperation, pulled out half a pork chop, noting that human and pig components aren't that different.
"Hold on, let's talk. If you just let me go, I can share anything! I know where countless treasures are and possess a wealth of magical knowledge."
Despite Voldemort's tempting offers, Dudley maintained his resolve, slowly bringing his hands together in prayer.
The transmutation circle shone with a captivating blood-red hue.
"I refuse!"
As Dudley felt his soul begin to drift away, Voldemort's cries filled the air.
To create the Philosopher's Stone, not only is the soul essential, but it also requires resentment, hatred, and anger as secondary ingredients. Interestingly enough, Voldemort's remaining soul embodied all these traits, making it the ideal contribution for the Philosopher's Stone.
The vibrant red light gradually dimmed, revealing the legendary Philosopher's Stone within the transmutation circle.
Philosopher's Stone (Perfect)
"Defeated Voldemort's lingering soul, gained..."
Dudley hardly registered the system prompt as he stepped into the circle to claim the sparkling red gem. It felt cool to the touch and initially appeared to be just another ordinary ruby.
Yet, to an alchemist, this crimson Philosopher's Stone radiated a mesmerizing brilliance.
Voldemort truly deserves his title as the ultimate villain of the Harry Potter saga; even a fragment of his lingering soul could create such a high-caliber Philosopher's Stone.
Don't underestimate its value. In different realms, sacrificing an entire city or nation might not yield a gem of this quality.
If you asked Dudley to genuinely sacrifice living individuals for the Philosopher's Stone, he would certainly decline. It's not about moral superiority; it's simply his human limit.
However, using Voldemort's soul for the Philosopher's Stone? That he could fully support. Since Voldemort's demise due to the protective 'love' spell, he had ceased to be human, transforming into a soul distressed by death and fighting for survival.
Moreover, Voldemort's soul was destined for elimination anyway; it made sense to capitalize on it while it was still here.
"Huh?"
Just as Dudley was about to leave, something caught his eye in the center of the transmutation circle—a dusty item he might have overlooked if not for the alert from the Data Eye.
He brushed off the dust to reveal a small blue gem, about the size of a fingernail.
"What's this?" Dudley wondered as he carefully picked it up.
Magical Crystal.
The system revealed this item's name.
Magic. Power.?
Suddenly, Dudley understood.
Yes, magic. The world of Fullmetal Alchemist lacks true magic. Here, alchemical energy does not stem from an alchemist's own magic but comes from the earth's pulse or other sources.
The transmutation circle not only transformed Voldemort's lingering soul into the Philosopher's Stone but also distilled the magic within his essence into this magical crystal.
Yet, now was not the time for further exploration of these findings; Dudley discreetly stored the magical crystal away.
"Professor Dumbledore, how long are you planning to just watch?"
Dudley turned toward a corner of the room.
"Dudley, your perception is quite keen."
The Disillusionment Charm was lifted, and Dumbledore appeared.
"Then perhaps you should eat fewer sweets; I can smell the sweet, sticky honey scent from a hundred meters away."
"I only have this little bit of love."
Asking Dumbledore to give up sugar? That would be like wishing for a pig to fly—although with magic, a pig soaring through the sky would be much easier.
"Professor, Professor Dumbledore!"
Neville exclaimed excitedly. Dumbledore's reputation as the greatest wizard of this era was matched only by Voldemort's fearsome legacy. Then, pointing excitedly at Quirrell, who had disintegrated into a puddle, he said, "Voldemort."
"I'm aware, Mr. Longbottom, I'm fully aware."
Dumbledore's calming presence helped ease Neville's emotions.
"I think your friends, Miss Granger and the others, are anxiously waiting outside, and Harry needs to check in with Madam Pomfrey."
"Could you help me with this?"
"I have some matters to discuss with Mr. Dursley."
After Dumbledore's comment, Neville hesitated and glanced at Dudley. When Dudley nodded, he lifted Harry and headed toward the door.
As they departed, he handed Dudley the Philosopher's Stone.
"This is the Philosopher's Stone? The treasure that creates the Elixir of Life?"
Dudley examined the red gem in his hand, noting its distinction from his own Philosopher's Stone.
If his Stone resembled a dazzling red ruby, accelerating effects, this one seemed more like a raw ruby, less refined.
"Professor, I recall that this gem belongs to Master Nicolas Flamel; I didn't expect to find it at Hogwarts and almost let it be stolen."
"You should store it properly."
With that, Dudley returned the Philosopher's Stone, which he hadn't yet warmed up, to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore closely observed Dudley throughout the exchange, noting Dudley's lack of reluctance or attachment, which sparked a flicker of approval in Dumbledore's eyes.
In reality, Dudley didn't think much of the Philosopher's Stone.
Is turning stone into gold impressive? His Philosopher's Stone could do that, too.
Is the ability to grant immortality remarkable? His own Stone offers that, as well.
Additionally, his Philosopher's Stone can amplify alchemy and overlook the principle of equivalent exchange.
To Dudley, this little Stone was simply a nice to have, but not essential.
"Professor,"
Dudley said, his tone shifting to seriousness as he focused on Dumbledore, "I believe we need to talk about a very serious issue."
"Hogwarts is not safe at all right now."
This marked the second time Dudley had raised the point.
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Note : Guys, some power stones will be really motivating.