Chapter 288 - The Flamels

"Christina, Mr and Mrs Flamel is here, sit straighter," Professor McGonagall barked as she swept by the Gryffindor table. "Miss Patil stop putting things on your hair. Mr Weasley, Miss Brown behave yourselves. Mr Cameron fix your robes, Miss Hathway. . . ."

Her voice drifted away.

"She is stressed," said Ginny.

"Yeah," said Chris sitting straighter in her seat. She barely slept last night after the incident with Salazar Slytherin's locket. She was very tired and exhausted, then she had to attend today's classes without rest.

"Chris, are you sure you are okay?" asked Harry looking concerned.

"You have asked that — like four times already," Chris smiled a little. "I'm fine and —"

The double doors of the Great Hall opened and Dumbledore entered with the Flamel couple. They both had pale and wrinkled skin and white long hair (Perenelle Flamel's white hair had crossed her hips and Nicholas Flamel's hair was the same length as Dumbledore's) and both wearing sliver cloaks. They both looked weak and fragile as they walked towards the staff table, looking around the students. Many students gasped, many almost screamed, many stared but nobody applauded. Even Chris felt her hands glued to the table, she was staring at the couple. Finally, Luna started to clap in the Ravenclaw table and Hermione followed. Quickly everyone joined in and the Professors looked relieved. 

"He is six hundred and seventy-one and Mrs Flamel is six hundred and sixty-five," squealed Hermione. "I can't believe this. We are actually seeing them."

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and — most particularly — guests," said Dumbledore, beaming around as the Flamels took their seat. "We have the great Nicholas Flamel and his incredible wife Perenelle, here with us. I have great pleasure in welcoming you to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."

Nicholas Flamel nodded as Perenelle Flamel smiled at Dumbledore then looked around the staff members.

Dumbledore sat back and the dinner appeared. Everyone started to eat.

"I thought they will make some sort of speech," said Hermione looking disappointed.

"Maybe they will," Chris piled her plate with food. "But after dinner."

"Why aren't they eating?" asked Colin staring at the Flamels.

"They don't eat," said Hermione. "The food will harm their body because of their age. Their body is too weak to function normally like us."

"So they just live with the Philosopher's stone?" asked Ginny.

"Yeah," Hermione nodded. "Though it will be over soon, isn't it?"

Hermione glanced at Harry.

"I guess," said Harry. "I mean that's what Dumbledore said five years ago."

"What's the point to live like this? I just don't get it," said Chris. "I mean you can see how unhealthy they are in their six hundred sixties." 

"Hey, anyone noticed, they look a lot like You-Know-Who's friend?" whispered Ron, who had finally untangled himself from Lavender and had joined their conversation.

Hearing Ron, everyone did a double-take at the staff table except Chris, who nodded.

"Yeah, I noticed," she said. "But Malgino looks a lot stronger than them when he should be looking more old and weak."

"But you still think there is a connection," said Harry seriously. "Between Malgino and the Philosopher's stone."

"Maybe. It's possible. Considering Dumbledore thinks the Flamels can help us."

After dinner, there was no speech but as they started to make their way back, Professor Slughorn blocked their path at the Entrance Hall.

"Christina! Harry!" He beamed.

"Good evening sir," Chris smiled her practised smile.

"Good evening Christina. I had arranged a dinner party tomorrow," Slughorn said looking delighted. "I have already talked to Mr Nicholas Flamel and they said they will grace me by attending my party. I expect you, Harry, Miss Granger and Miss Weasley to be there — and no excuses," he added the last part looking at Harry.

"Thank you, sir," said Chris. "We will be there. Actually, I was hoping to meet you. Recently, I started working on Dittany and I thought I can get your insights on it."

"My, my, dear, Dittany?" Slughorn's round eyes looked rounder. "That is the most difficult and advance potion in the healing world. Of course, I will see it. Whenever you want Christina, come to my office."

"Thank you, sir."

"And don't forget the party."

Chris gave a bright smile and Slughorn strolled away.

"So we are attending tomorrow's party?" said Harry while they walked towards the Gryffindor Tower.

"I thought you hated Slughorn's parties?" said Chris surprised.

"Yeah, but tomorrow you can meet Mr and Mrs Flamel formally," said Harry smiling. "I am not missing that. You have helped me a lot, I think it's my turn."

"And how are you going to help me?" asked Chris hiding her smile. Harry's words had made her heart flutter, which she ignored.

"No idea," shrugged Harry. "But I will help you, that's for sure."

Chris laughed.

"Hey, I will be back in a bit," said Ginny suddenly and ran to the opposite corridor.

"What happened?" Chris said surprised.

"Maybe she forgot something," said Colin.

Chris nodded but something inside her felt off.

Next evening, Chris got ready to go to Slughorn's party. Today, she just loose braided her hair in one side and no accessories.

"Why?" Ginny asked putting on a pair of golden earrings. "You look good in accessories."

Chris shrugged.

"I don't want to look too flashy."

"You are not flashy," Ginny rolled her eyes. "Whatever, c'mon."

They met Harry and Hermione at Common room then departed for Slughorn's office.

Slughorn's party was packed. As Chris squeezed through the crowd, she saw Mr and Mrs Flamel sitting in a corner with Slughorn and couple of students. Chris grabbed Ginny and Harry and dragged them with her.

"Christina!" boomed Slughorn as soon as they get close. "And of course, our own Harry. I was just talking about you, Christina. I was telling Mr Flamel how glad I am to get you as my student."

"Why, thank you, sir," Chris gave a big smile to Slughorn and then the Flamel couple. "Good evening Mr Flamel, Mrs Flamel."

Nicholas Flamel nodded at her smiling. Chris thought she saw there was a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Ah, of course, I can't deny that I haven't heard a lot about you and Mr Potter here," said Perenelle Flamel with a calculated look. "Miss Norton, right?"

"Yes, Mrs Flamel," Chris nodded politely.

"You don't mind if I ask her a few questions, do you, Horace?" said Perenelle.

"Er — of course not, Mrs Flamel," said Slughorn but somehow he looked uncomfortable.

Chris smiled, she had already realised it was a test.

"So Miss Norton," Perenelle turned to Chris. "I hear you are good at potions?"

"I am still learning, ma'am. I think potion is a fascinating subject and I like to experiment with it," Chris replied confidently.

"Yes, it is a glamorous subject. You said you like to experiment? In experiments things can get out of hand quickly and can be dangerous, aren't they?"

"I try to be careful and if It doesn't go wrong, how will one find the right, ma'am?"

"So you are not afraid of failure?" Perenelle gave a speculative look.

"Of course, I am but I prefer not to let my fears control my decisions most of the times," Chris replied.

I'm killing it, she thought feeling pleased.

"Most of the times? Is that means sometimes you let your fear win?" asked Perenelle.

Chris' heart sank. She had to go there, didn't she? But Chris quickly calmed down herself and answered, "yes, but only for very important things."

"Important? Like immortality?" Perenelle said just as Chris finished.

"Of course not, there are lots of things more important than just living forever. In fact, I think what's the point of immortality if you can't value other important things like goodness, friendship, love. Life doesn't need to be long just to make it grand. It can be pretty great even with the small-time we are given and —" Chris abruptly stopped her monologue about life as she realized the others had gone silent around her. Most of them looking shocked.

Crap! Did I just taunt immortality in front of two almost immortal alchemists? Stupid mouth! Stupid me!

"Mrs Flamel I —" Chris hurriedly began but Perenelle smiled rather brightly.

"Refreshing, isn't it Nicholas?" she turned to her husband who was watching curiously the entire conversation.

"Indeed," smiled Nicholas. "Indeed refreshing. You don't see a child every day, who had barely seen the world yet experienced a lot to not to tempted by it."

Chris felt her eyes widening and colour rising on her cheeks. She was expecting such praising.

"Er — thank you, Mr Flamel and I also am sorry if I had said something inappropriate, Mrs Flamel."

"Call me Perenelle, Christina, you have earned it," said Perenelle standing up. "I think it's time to have some rest, Nicholas."

"Yes, as you say, Perenelle," smiled Nicholas getting up as well.

"So soon?" Slughorn suddenly came out of his trance.

"Yes, Horace," said Nicholas. "It is late for us. We will meet tomorrow. Farewell. Good night."

"Yes, yes, good night Mr Flamel," Slughorn stood up. "I will escort you out."

"No need, I think these fine young men here can do that," said Nicholas pointing at Harry and someone else.

Chris turned and saw Adrian standing behind Harry.

"It will be our honour, sir," said Adrian.

"Yeah," said Harry looking a little startled.

"Great then, good night Horace, children," Perenelle smiled and left with Nicholas, Harry and Adrian.

Harry and Adrian parted the crowd so the Flamel couple can walk through without any problems and Chris noticed them talking to Harry.

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To be continued. . .