Chapter 55: Depletion

"The Philosopher's Stone?"

Arthur was puzzled.

'Wasn't this Philosopher's Stone supposed to be fake? Why did Professor Dumbledore talk about it as if it were real?'

"Professor, I observed it just now, and although this stone has some magical fluctuations, it..." Arthur didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.

"But it completely lacks the immense magical power that can turn things into gold and grant immortality, right?" Dumbledore finished Arthur's words, but he didn't immediately answer.

Instead, he asked Arthur a question.

"Mr. Gaunt, as the best student at Hogwarts in the last 50 years, no, in the school's whole history, what do you think alchemy is all about?"

"Equivalent exchange!"

Arthur blurted out his answer.

Professor Dumbledore nodded in agreement and asked another question.

"Do you believe that the Philosopher's Stone can grant immortality because its magical power is endless?"

When hearing this, Arthur began to understand. He cautiously responded.

"Are you suggesting that this Philosopher's Stone is nearing depletion?"

"That's right. Nicolas Flamel has possessed it for over 600 years, and its magical power has been nearly exhausted," Professor Dumbledore revealed the truth without hiding anything.

Arthur suddenly realized why Nicolas Flamel gave the Philosopher's Stone to Professor Dumbledore, who then used it as bait to lure Voldemort.

So, it was a useless stone after all.

At this moment, Arthur felt pity for Voldemort. Just by receiving gossip news about the Philosopher's Stone, he willingly walked into the trap.

Everyone was putting on a show except Voldemort, who ended up getting defeated again.

Arthur placed the Philosopher's Stone on the table with a regretful expression.

When Professor Dumbledore saw this, he was both concerned and hesitant, but in the end, he spoke up.

"Mr. Gaunt, you are still young and have a long way to go from getting old and dying. Great wisdom is your greatest asset. There is no need to pursue the power of the Philosopher's Stone so early."

Arthur was taken aback and realized that Professor Dumbledore had misunderstood him, and he didn't hide it either.

"Professor, I think you've misunderstood me. I don't desire the power of the Philosopher's Stone. Instead, I wish to study ancient alchemy through it."

But Professor Dumbledore had some doubts about what Arthur said.

Arthur didn't mind, as Professor Dumbledore was also a master of alchemy, and it was a perfect opportunity to ask him some questions.

After that, Arthur told Dumbledore about his questions about alchemy.

After exchanging ideas with Arthur, Professor Dumbledore became convinced that Arthur had reached a certain level of proficiency in alchemy.

In fact, some of Arthur's questions even inspired him in different aspects.

"I am sorry, Mr. Gaunt, I misunderstood you," Professor Dumbledore apologized to Arthur, even though he still had doubts inside.

He knew that Arthur must have his own secrets. Otherwise, he wouldn't possess the current level of power.

A first-year student who defeated Voldemort and mastered Potions to the point where even Professor Snape shared his knowledge, and now learning so deeply into alchemy.

Professor Dumbledore couldn't help but imagine that when Arthur grew up, he would definitely become another legend in the wizarding world.

But what if he ditched from the right path...?

Arthur looked at Professor Dumbledore's gaze, knowing full well what Dumbledore was worried about, having watched all the movies and read countless reviews.

Arthur couldn't pretend to be clueless.

Arthur decided to be honest about the situation. With his current power, he couldn't face Dumbledore, but Dumbledore shouldn't think he could cause any harm to him, who possessed Avalon.

However, he also needed to make his attitude clear. After all, Cho and Hermione were living here, and he didn't want to have an enemy with Professor Dumbledore and ended up being expelled.

"Professor, I understand your concerns, and I'm even aware of some of your plans."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Professor Dumbledore's expression became serious.

But Arthur continued.

"I'm just an ordinary Ravenclaw student. I have my friends, my loved ones here. Trust me, I'm different from my relatives. If possible, I just want to peacefully spend my seven years at Hogwarts. Power and wealth aren't important to me."

After listening to these words, Dumbledore fell silent and didn't speak for a while.

Arthur wasn't in a hurry and instead looked at the two phoenixes in the air.

Ever since Fawkes saw Furry, he was immediately fascinated. He kept circling around Furry, sometimes showing off his beautiful feathers.

But Furry didn't pay any attention to Fawkes and didn't even spare him a glance. She was busy grooming her own feathers.

Seeing Fawkes like this, Arthur couldn't help but think.

'What kind of phoenix is this? It's behaving just like a lapdog!'

...

Professor Dumbledore thought for a while and finally understood completely. Professor Dumbledore realized that Arthur was different from Voldemort and Grindelwald.

Although he had a special talent, he hadn't shown any ambition. The young wizards admired him because of his own charm.

Also, as someone who grew up in the Muggle world, he didn't hold hatred towards Muggles as Voldemort did. He was even willing to help the orphanage he grew up in.

Most importantly, he had someone he deeply loved, well, more than one person actually.

Once he thought this out, Dumbledore stopped worrying and looked at Arthur with a smile.

"Forgive the silly thoughts of an old man. After all, I've taught one terrible student."

Chuckling, Dumbledore brushed off the matter and quickly changed the topic.

"You've helped protect the Philosopher's Stone for the school this time. During the final term ceremony, I'll give Ravenclaw the points they deserve."

"Besides that, is there anything else you'd like as a reward?"

When hearing Dumbledore's words, Arthur's eyes lit up. He didn't care about house points, but he was definitely interested in extra rewards.

"Can I touch the Elder Wand, Professor?"

...

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