Chapter 351 The Philosopher's Stone
"While there were many differences, the heirs of the Black family entered Hogwarts, which proved that our decision to establish a school of magic was completely successful," Gryffindor said, returning to his long table with satisfaction. "For nearly a thousand years, I have closely observed the changes at Hogwarts from the Centaur colony, and I have seen many talented wizards graduate from the school and contribute to the development of the magical world. This is completely in line with our original vision. Both the Sorting Hat and the Directors of all generations have done a great job. They have developed and grown in accordance with the ideas we left behind. I am sure the other three are also pleased with this."
"Do you mean Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin?" Evan asked. "Did they also leave their consciousness like you?"
"Yes, it was Helga's proposal to keep part of our consciousness in our own treasure keys and observe the changes at Hogwarts with our own eyes," Gryffindor explained. "After leaving the Secret Treasure, we separated our consciousness, but I do not know where the three hid their keys. It was a complete secret, and it is up to you to discover it."
"I have some clues," Evan nodded. According to previous analysis, Ravenclaw's Treasure Key should be stored with the Tritons.
He also had speculations about the whereabouts of Slytherin and Hufflepuff's Treasure Keys.
The question now was what the Treasure Keys left by the Four Founders were, and why they held such powerful magic. He couldn't help but inquire about it.
"The treasure keys are actually four Philosopher's Stones, the collection of our four families; the greatest achievement of ancient Alchemy," Gryffindor said as he waved his hand, and a red gem appeared out of thin air on the long table in front of him.
The stone was a bright red, with flashes of golden light appearing from time to time.
"In our time, the families of pure-blood wizards mostly had something inherited from the ancient wizards," Gryffindor commented. "The Philosopher's Stone is a typical example. Today, it is almost impossible to have enough magical theory and materials to make one, but for ancient alchemists, it was not so difficult."
Evan was astonished. He had no idea that the treasure key would be a Philosopher's Stone.
Currently, the magical world recognized that the only remaining Philosopher's Stone was left by the famous alchemist Nicholas Flamel, who could turn lead into gold using the Stone and create the Elixir of Life.
Due to Voldemort, it was ultimately destroyed by Dumbledore and Nicholas.
Incredibly, the Four Founders had left behind four Philosopher's Stones as Treasure Keys.
It was truly staggering. Apart from what was hidden in the Secret Treasure, these four Philosopher's Stones themselves were rare treasures beyond the imagination of common people.
Evan held his breath and observed the red gem in front of him carefully. The magic contained within it was astounding.
Undoubtedly, this Philosopher's Stone was an incredibly powerful magical object.
It was every wizard's dream. Besides its potent magic, it had many fantastic functions, like producing the Elixir of Life!
"Touch a stone and turn it into gold; live forever and never age, the Philosopher's Stone always brings enchantment..." Gryffindor said, looking at Evan as if he could see into his mind. "Unfortunately, the four Stones we left do not have such effects. You must know that Philosopher's Stones have different uses depending on the alchemical method and the materials used to make them."
"What is the use of this Philosopher's Stone?" Evan asked, looking up.
"At the moment, it is just a Key Stone that can unlock the Secret Treasure we left behind, nothing more," Gryffindor explained as he waved his hand again, and the petrified magic on the table disappeared into smoke. "Obviously, under Rowena's design, the Treasure we left behind requires powerful magic to open. Magical objects that can provide such power are very rare. After a selection, we modified the four Philosopher's Stones and removed their original use. We let the magic contained in them become purer and provide the necessary magic to open the treasure."
It was difficult to imagine what the Four Founders had left in the Treasure.
In fact, they destroyed four Philosopher's Stones for this purpose, canceling their original fantastic roles and transforming them only into Stones of Powerful Magical Energy.
Evan felt that this was almost a waste.
"Of course, due to its great magic, this Philosopher's Stone can now help wizards enhance their magic," Gryffindor said, laughing. "Your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and his three companions did a fine job. They created that Map from the excess energy of the Philosopher's Stone, and it was quite fascinating."
"It's the Marauder's Map that shows all the secret passageways of Hogwarts and the names of the people above," Evan nodded.
"A very clever idea! The knowledge of magical locations and the personal names involved in it are of great practical value," Gryffindor admired. "This is the progress of the magical world. In our time, few wizards studied it. Influenced by ancient wizards, we only studied powerful spells or tried to invoke souls, demons, evil spirits, and so on."
They also discussed for a while about how the Marauder's Map was made, and it was evident that Gryffindor was very interested in this knowledge and had many questions.
Evan recounted all he knew. Furthermore, he also had in mind what they had left in the Secret Treasure.
"What have you left in the Treasure?" Gryffindor asked curiously.
"It is absolutely beyond your imagination. I think we should leave you some expectations and not reveal all the mysteries."
Gryffindor blinked and gave Evan a knowing smile.
Then, before Evan could respond, his smile faded, and his expression turned serious. "Well, we have wasted too much time. Now we should discuss the trial I left behind. Only through this trial can you obtain the Philosopher's Stone."
"What do I need to do?" Evan touched his wand and was ready.
"My intention was to test your fighting ability and courage in the face of your deepest fear," Gryffindor said, "but after you entered this magical illusion, I changed my mind. I don't think the Heir of Slytherin or a couple of fire dragons will stop you. It doesn't make sense. Therefore, I prepared additional tests especially for you."
"Additional tests?!" Evan suddenly had a foreboding feeling.
"Yes, I will show you fear from the void's nightmare, something you have never seen before, and that is what you need to face in the future," Gryffindor said.