Meeting
Ed was sitting alone, his head bowed. Facing his second year on this side, he was having another depressing moment. He didn't notice the stranger sit down next to him.
"Don't get depressed" the graying man said.
"Why not! Life's pointless!" Ed cried dismally.
"Hey, the fact that you made it through should be rejoiced."
Now Edward looked up. "Do I know you?" he asked impatiently.
"No," the departing man said, "but you know of me. I'm Nick."
Ed sat for a moment, puzzled. Finally, it sank in.
"Mr. Flamel! Mr. Flamel! I loved your books!"