Harry Potter: I started checking in from Diagon Alley

The difference is too great.

For his own safety, Fudge didn't dare to offend Eric.

Someone like Eric will undoubtedly achieve great things in the future.

So despite feeling extremely frustrated, Fudge could only endure it and wait for the Auror's investigation results.

The only good news these past few days is that the identity of the wizard who used the Imperius Curse to control Clement has been confirmed.

The wizard who caused the death was named Rozier, a descendant of an ancient French family of wizards.

With Snape's help, the Aurors discovered a makeshift safe house in the dungeons of Hogwarts Castle, as well as an escape route that Rosier had prepared for himself.

Apparition is not allowed within the boundaries of Hogwarts.

Rozier was also quite unlucky; it's clear that after using Clement, he planned to leave Hogwarts immediately.

Unfortunately, he ran into Snape.

The surname Rozier made Bones and Fudge feel like they were facing a formidable enemy.

Because when Grindelwald's power was at its peak, he had a lieutenant whose name was also Rozier.

This at least indicates that Grindelwald's remnants are showing signs of a comeback.

Once this important news was confirmed, it was immediately blocked.

The British Ministry of Magic needs to communicate with the French Ministry of Magic to determine the severity of the situation.

Despite the news being suppressed, the events that have occurred at Hogwarts in the past few days have unsurprisingly shaken the entire wizarding world.

Duel Club, Storm and Fire, Death...

All of this information was disseminated by Rita Skeeter and other newspaper reporters through various channels.

Rita Skeeter even used a completely new pen name and wrote a novel-like article about what she saw and heard throughout the process, which was published in a magazine called The Quibbler.

Rita Skeeter's description of the entire process is both thrilling and mysterious, and her excellent writing has made her very popular.

If Rita Skeeter were to use her real identity, the Daily Prophet would be restricted by the Ministry of Magic from publishing it.

Rita Skeeter could only collaborate with tabloids like this.

The magazine's editor-in-chief is Luna's father, who is known for his opposition to the Ministry of Magic.

Apart from Rita Skeeter's manuscript, most of the other content in The Quibbler was filled with fabrications and wild fantasies.

Even so, thanks to Rita Skeeter's articles, The Quibbler became one of the best-selling magazines in the wizarding world that month.

It even got to the point where it was extremely difficult to obtain a single certificate.

Many Ravenclaw students have been trying to get close to Luna these past few days, hoping to buy a couple of magazines from her.

The public doesn't care about the truth; they only like to chase trending topics.

Duel Club is the biggest hot topic right now.

Panic, confusion, speculation, and discussion...

The entire Hogwarts student body began their Christmas holiday in this atmosphere.

Because of Sirius Black and the Duel Club incident, there were a lot of people leaving school for the holidays this year, and the whole castle suddenly became deserted.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione stayed at Hogwarts and spent Christmas there.

Harry's Christmas present this year is something to look forward to.

Sirius Black paid for a brand-new Firebolt to be delivered to Harry's bedside through Eric's hands.

On the package containing the fire bolts was a handwritten note from Eric:

Harry, we hope you like the gift we sent.

Overwhelmed by happiness, Harry ignored the cold weather and ran to the ball court with Ron to test his fire bolt.

The speed of the Firebolt was unparalleled. During the holidays, the stadium was empty, and Harry and Ron had a great time.

It was only after Hermione reminded them that they should thank Eric in person.

So the three of them hurriedly ran towards the Ravenclaw tower.

When they arrived at Ravenclaw's gate, they learned that Eric was not inside the castle.

He went to France with Dumbledore.

Chapter 120 Nicolas Flamel

Paris France.

In the suburbs, at a small, unremarkable town, at a crossroads.

It snowed a few days ago, and the ground is very slippery.

On the country road, pedestrians hurried by, and no one noticed that, at some unknown time, a lavishly decorated manor had suddenly appeared beside the crossroads.

On the road sign at the entrance of the manor, there is a line of text:

[A Muggle Exorcism Charm Ahead. Muggles, please detour.]

The person who wrote this road sign has a great sense of humor; of course, people without magic wouldn't be able to see this line of text.

The air twisted and flashed, followed by a crisp, clear sound of something cutting through the air.

Dumbledore, with Eric by his side, Apparated at the entrance of the manor.

Seeing Eric's calm demeanor, Dumbledore asked curiously, "Generally speaking, the first time someone tries Apparition, the experience is terrible."

Eric said, "Professor, I've used FlooNet quite a few times, I'm used to it."

Dumbledore seemed thoughtful and said, "Was it at the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Correct."

Eric stepped forward, saw the words on the road sign, and couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Where is this? You took me out of the castle without permission, is that alright? If I remember correctly, I have to wait for the Ministry of Magic's summons at any time."

Dumbledore said, “The Aurors at the Ministry of Magic also need to take leave. Hehe, don’t worry, with me here, they won’t ask you to do anything on short notice. Professor McGonagall is handling things at the Ministry of Magic. As for this place, it’s the manor of an old friend of mine. I’ve already made arrangements with him.”

Eric chuckled, "Was it arranged months ago?"

Dumbledore glanced at Eric with surprise, then readily admitted, "That's right, this was originally the reward for becoming the Duel Champion, that mysterious grand prize."

Eric chuckled. Just as he had thought, the mysterious grand prize that Dumbledore had arranged at the Duel Club was specifically prepared for him.

Neither of them denied that Eric was indeed qualified.

If Clement hadn't exploded back then, Eric's ability would have made it a foregone conclusion to sweep aside all his subsequent opponents.

Eric didn't refuse. Since Dumbledore had already made the arrangements, he might as well see what Dumbledore was planning to do.

Soon, the manor gates opened, and a house-elf stood behind the door, bowing politely to Eric and Dumbledore.

"Please come in, gentlemen. Our host has been waiting for you for quite some time."

Dumbledore nodded, and led Eric, following the house-elves into the manor.

Eric asked, "Who is your master?"

The house-elf looked at him with surprise, then at Dumbledore, before saying, "My master's name is Nicolas Flamel."

Nicolas Flamel?!

Is he still alive?

Noticing Eric's request, Dumbledore nodded, acknowledging the answer, and said, "Let me explain. This is indeed Nicolas Flamel's manor. Eric, of course you know who he is, right?"

“Of course,” Eric said. “The creator of the Philosopher’s Stone was an immortal wizard who is said to have lived for nearly seven hundred years.”

Dumbledore gave him an approving look: "You are the most gifted student I have ever seen. Most people would not be interested in this kind of knowledge."

Eric said, "No offense intended, but I've heard that Nicolas Flamel deliberately destroyed the Philosopher's Stone two years ago and gave up immortality."

The house-elf leading the way heard this and glanced back at Eric. Seeing that Eric truly meant no disrespect to his master, he turned back to continue leading the way.

Dumbledore said, "Indeed, Nicolas Flamel has destroyed the Philosopher's Stone."

"That……"

Eric didn't say what came next: if Nicolas Flamel had destroyed the Philosopher's Stone, how could he still be alive?

Dumbledore said calmly, “Death is not a fleeting thing; on the contrary, it is a slow process, especially for people like us. Nico has indeed given up on immortality and destroyed the Philosopher's Stone, but there are still some elixirs of immortality made from the Philosopher's Stone, and he intends to finish what he needs to do in these last moments.”

Dumbledore said, “That’s why I brought you here, Eric. The reopening of the Dueling Club was a coincidence. The real reason behind it was that Nico wanted to find someone to pass on his manuscripts and compiled materials before he died. He asked me for help, and I recommended you.”

Eric said, "So you're trying to make me famous through the Duel Club?"

Dumbledore continued, “Not entirely. The Dueling Club was always part of the plan. Nico trusts me quite a bit in this regard, so I brought you along during this time. As for the reason for the recommendation, it’s simple: in all honesty, you are indeed the most talented wizard I have ever seen…”

Eric continued, "But?"

Dumbledore smiled and said, "But whether you can gain Nicolas Flamel's approval depends on yourself."

Eric suddenly said, "Professor, aren't you worried that I'll refuse? Before we came, you only told me you were going to take me somewhere. I never said I would cooperate with you, did I?"

“Oh?” Dumbledore asked in surprise. “Would you refuse? Many people would dream of such an opportunity, but they are not the people Nico is looking for.”

Eric laughed and said, "I don't know either, it depends on whether I'm interested."

"To be honest, both Nico and I admire your character," Dumbledore commented.

As they chatted and laughed, they arrived at the entrance of the main building of the manor.

In a small garden not far from the entrance, there were several tables and chairs, where a wizard in a robe was already sitting.

His identity is becoming increasingly clear.

Nicolas Flamel, the greatest alchemist of this century.

Chapter 121 Nicolas Flamel's Recruitment

Nicolas Flamel sat in a rocking chair facing the sun, resting with his eyes closed.

This was also Eric's first time meeting this legendary wizard.

His hair was gray and he was extremely thin, as if a gentle breeze could blow him over.