[Dear friend, I sincerely congratulate you on achieving such remarkable accomplishments at such a young age—the Book of Friends, magic dolls, communication beans, and of course, my personal favorite, the Softlight Badge.]
[These inventions not only demonstrate your talent and hard work, but they also show the world your love and dedication to this discipline. That truly brings me great joy.]
[Nowadays, too many young people are obsessed with ancient magic and chase after so-called 'artifacts' from antiquity, while neglecting the exploration and application of their own intellect.
But you've dared to try new technologies and shown a unique sense of creativity—this is a rare and admirable quality, and it fills me with great hope for your future.]
[I'm sure you already understand this: studying alchemy is a long and difficult road, often misunderstood and exploited by others. Many believe we seek only to turn metal into gold or to live forever, but that is not the true goal.]
[We pursue longer lives only so that we have the time needed to reach the far shores of knowledge.
True alchemy is about seeking the power that can lead the wizarding world toward peace, about exploring the mysteries of the universe, understanding the essence of life, and helping those in need.]
[When ancient wizards first melted metals in their cauldrons, the firelight reflected humanity's yearning for eternity and truth.
Thousands of years have passed, and we are still asking: where is the boundary between matter and consciousness? What kind of change can magic and fire bring to the world?]
[Dear Wade, this July, during your holiday, perhaps you'd be willing to visit my estate? We can sit by the oak table and discuss the mysteries of alchemy.
I would love to hear your questions, share my experiences, and I believe your youthful mind will surprise even an old scholar like me.]
[Yours faithfully,
Nicolas Flamel]
…
Wade had read the letter five or six times already. A wave of indescribable excitement surged in his chest. He clenched his fist tightly and felt a strong urge to fly straight to Nicolas Flamel's estate right that second.
Even setting aside Flamel's legendary status in alchemy, the man's age alone made this invitation awe-inspiring.
Nicolas Flamel was now 667 years old—he was born before the Valois Dynasty had even been founded in France. The man was a living piece of history.
Wade paced around his room twice, then sat down at his desk and began writing a reply with great care—
[Dear Mr. Nicolas Flamel,
It is an immense honor and joy to receive your letter… I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to visit your estate… Thank you once again for your encouragement and support…]
After putting down his quill, Wade reviewed the letter and realized that his excitement had spilled over—his handwriting was wild and exuberant, almost too lively.
Uh… Would it come off a bit too flattering?
He hesitated for a moment, then decided to rewrite the letter with a more formal tone. This time, his wording was much steadier and more composed.
[Dear Mr. Flamel,
I am deeply honored by your invitation and filled with anticipation. Thank you for your willingness to share your precious experience and wisdom with me.
I will make proper arrangements to ensure I arrive at your estate on time. I look forward to receiving your guidance and insight.]
While waiting for the ink on the letter to dry, Fiona walked in carrying a plate of freshly sliced fruit.
As she set the plate down, she popped a piece of apple into her mouth. Seeing Wade writing something, she mumbled, "Wade, school hasn't even started yet—do you already have homework?"
"No, I'm writing a reply to Mr. Nicolas Flamel," Wade said as he selected an envelope and began addressing it. "He invited me to visit his estate during the summer holidays."
"Nicolas Flamel?" Fiona furrowed her brows. The name sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. She glanced at the two letters on Wade's desk and suddenly pointed. "That one's better."
She was pointing to the first reply.
Wade was taken aback, then explained why he'd written a second one:
"I felt that one was too flighty, the tone too casual—not steady enough. A good alchemist should be calm and precise. If I come across like some excitable kid, how can anyone take me seriously?"
"But you are a kid!" Fiona said matter-of-factly. She nodded, affirming her judgment. "If it were me, I'd much rather receive the first letter."
Wade asked, "What if he received the second one?"
Fiona thought for a moment, then answered with a question: "This Mr. Nicolas Flamel—he must be pretty incredible, right?"
Wade nodded. "One of the greatest alchemists in the world."
"Then he's probably tired of it all," Fiona guessed. "He must get so many letters like that."
Wade furrowed his brows and his lips pursed as he thought carefully.
"Wade," Fiona said with a smile, "expressing your true thoughts and feelings in the most genuine way is far better than using overly polite and stiff language."
She added cheerfully, "And if someone really likes you, they'll like you no matter what tone you use—it's not about the phrasing."
Wade sighed. "We haven't even met yet. First impressions are important."
"But he already sent the invitation," Fiona laughed.
"So your first impression isn't this letter. He's already heard about your inventions and what you've done—that's why he thinks you're someone worth discussing ideas with! Think about it—isn't that right?"
After Fiona left, Wade carefully reread both letters. The more he read, the more the overly formal one felt cold and detached.
After a moment of hesitation, he finally sealed the first, more heartfelt letter in the envelope.
…
"Nicolas Flamel... Nicolas Flamel..."
Fiona muttered to herself as she returned to the living room, trying to remember where she'd heard the name.
"What are you mumbling about?" Fred asked curiously.
"Fredy, do you know who Nicolas Flamel is?" Fiona said. "He sent Wade an invitation letter, and now the kid's all worked up about it—I've never seen him like this before!"
Fred froze. "...Nicolas Flamel?"
"Yes!" Fiona said, rubbing her chin. "I know I've heard the name somewhere before..."
Without a word, Fred walked over to the bookshelf, pulled out a copy of The Secrets and Practice of Alchemy, opened to the first page, and pointed at the author's introduction.
"The immortal master of alchemy… the only known wizard to have successfully created the Philosopher's Stone… has lived for over 600 years to this day…"
Fiona gasped and covered her mouth, and looked at her husband. After the initial shock, a trace of worry appeared in her eyes. "The advice I just gave to Wade… I didn't mess things up, did I?"
Fred asked, "What advice?"
Fiona explained what had happened. After thinking for a moment, Fred smiled and said:
"No, you didn't say anything wrong. When dealing with elders and mentors, sincerity is the foundation of communication. Wade was so concerned about making a good impression that he ended up overthinking it."
"That's a relief." Fiona patted her chest, visibly relaxed. "I was really worried I might have messed things up for him."
"You didn't." Fred said gently. "Darling, you're so smart—just trusting your instincts was already the best choice."
Fiona blushed slightly. Leaning in, she kissed her husband on the cheek and whispered, "Marrying you was my best choice too, Fredy."
…
After finishing his reply to Nicolas Flamel, Wade saw that it was still early and picked up his pen again to write thank-you letters to everyone who had helped in his rescue.
Although he had their contacts through the Book of Friends and some had already received Communication Beans, those convenient tools couldn't express the same level of respect and gratitude as a handwritten letter.
Halfway through writing, Fred walked into the study with a cup of warm milk.
He didn't interrupt Wade, who was focused at his desk, but stood quietly to the side and watched for a while. Seeing that the letters weren't full of fancy language, but instead showed care and sincerity, he couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.
But after quietly leaving the study and standing in the hallway, Fred let out a soft sigh.
"Mr. Grey, is something troubling you?" Dobby was standing in the hallway and looked up with concern. "Can Dobby help?"
Fred shook his head, chuckling wryly as he walked.
"Dobby, do you think all parents are this strange?"
"When they're little, you worry they won't learn how to walk. Then once they can run and jump, you're afraid they'll go too far and disappear from sight."
"You're afraid they'll make mistakes, but when they learn too fast and too well, you feel… a little lost."
Dobby looked at him in confusion, as though a question mark was about to pop out of his head.
Fred chuckled silently, then took Dobby's hand and led him downstairs, asking along the way, "Dobby, have you ever learned to read and write?"
"A little," Dobby replied shyly. "When I was in the Malfoy household, some of the older house-elves taught me a bit… but I don't recognize many words… I'm sorry."
For some reason, he suddenly felt ashamed and couldn't help but bow his head in apology.
"It's alright, I can teach you from the beginning… starting with the alphabet, then words and sentences," Fred said gently. "Reading and writing are windows to understanding the world. It's very useful, so you must learn it well."
"Yes, sir!" Dobby's eyes sparkled, and he said excitedly and gratefully, "Dobby won't let Mr. Grey down!"
…
The short holiday flew by. On Sunday evening, Lupin came to pick Wade up for school.
His luggage had already been packed in advance and stored inside the wardrobe space. Fiona adjusted his collar reluctantly and said, "Take good care of yourself. Write to us often… don't make me worry."
"I understand," Wade replied softly.
"And don't sneak out of school just because you can turn into a peregrine falcon," Fred added, "The wizarding world isn't exactly peaceful right now."
"I know. I'll be fine," Wade said as he stepped forward to hug his parents. "Goodbye, Mom, Dad. I'll miss you."
Fiona held back her tears and smiled as she nodded. "Me too."
"Dobby," Wade knelt down and said to their new family member, "I'm leaving my parents in your care."
"Yes, sir!" Dobby puffed out his chest and declared, "Leave everything to Dobby! Mr. Wade can rest easy!"
"Let's go."
Lupin asked Wade to take his arm, and the two of them Disapparated together.
After a slight bout of dizziness, Wade found himself in Hogsmeade. The rooftops in the village were blanketed with thick snow, as if wrapped in a white velvet quilt. Some shopfronts had wall-mounted candle holders, and the colorful magical flames made the village look particularly beautiful.
"I actually know how to Apparate too, Remus," Wade said after a moment, deciding there was no need to keep it a secret.
Lupin was startled. "You taught yourself?"
"Of course not," Wade replied. "Professor Dumbledore taught me last term."
"That's a relief," Lupin sighed, then warned him, "It's fine that you know it, but don't use it in public. Too many people are watching you, and this spell could be unexpectedly useful at a critical moment."
"I understand," Wade nodded, then asked, "How's Mabel adjusting?"
"Quite well," Lupin smiled. "She doesn't talk much, but she's easy to get along with—though she's always trying to do all the chores… And so far, she's already learned three basic spells."
"That's great," Wade said in surprise.
Although learning spells had always come easily to him, Wade knew that many students took a week or two just to master one. For example, they had reviewed the Levitation Charm again right before the Christmas break, even though they learned it in the first year.
Wade decided to visit Mabel first before heading back to school. The two of them walked toward Lupin's house, and the surroundings grew increasingly remote. Only the lights at Lupin's and Sirius Black's homes were still on nearby.
After they arrived, Wade saw that Marchionne was unexpectedly sitting in the living room. Not wanting to see a stranger, Mabel had hidden herself away in an upstairs room, while Sirius was entertaining the guest with a dark expression.
"Marchionne?" Wade was first surprised, then understood. "You're here because of the Streaming mirror issue, right?"
He had actually already explained everything once in a letter, but seeing the man in person now, he apologized again: "Sorry—I'm sure I've caused you all a lot of trouble."
"Oh, as long as it didn't interrupt anyone watching "Goodnight Sweetheart", it's not a big deal," Marchionne shrugged with a grin. "I just came to check on you—to make sure my genius alchemist is safe and sound."
"Uh… you're not here for help with the signal hijacking issue?" Wade asked, surprised.
"Help? Why would I want to solve it?"
Pouring himself a glass of mead, Marchionne said breezily:
"If we solve it, the next person the Alliance comes after might be me… or worse, they'll come after you again and make a version of Streaming mirror just for themselves—taking away at least half of my market."
"This way is much better. I make my money, they build their reputation—we don't interfere with each other, and we all get what we want."
Marchionne raised his glass and winked slyly.
"You're not worried the Ministry of Magic will come after you?" Sirius raised an eyebrow and asked.
"Oh, they already did."
Leaning against a cabinet, Marchionne replied casually, "But I can't solve this problem. What can I do? If the Ministry wants to send someone who can, I'll fully cooperate… but since they can't solve it either, then it's not my problem—it's theirs."
He smiled and downed the rest of his drink in one go.
Wade couldn't help but laugh, too.
--------------------------------
🙏🙏Please consider supporting this translation project by becoming a P@treon member!!!
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Available on my P@treon page for just $4!!
Early access to the following translations:-
⭐Harry Potter: Becoming a Study God (HP:BSG)- +235 Chapters
⭐MCU: Druid's Adventures (MCUDA)(⭐COMPLETE⭐) - Total Chapter 460
⭐Famous Police Detective in Detective World (FPDDW)- +165 advance chapters
⭐Marvel: Little Genius (MLG) (⭐COMPLETE⭐) - Total Chapter 450
[email protected]/Lightreaper457
--------------------------------