The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room adorned with dark wood paneling and an ornate table at its center. The air was thick with anticipation as Harry, Dumbledore, and Snape stepped inside. The atmosphere was punctuated by the serious presence a stern-looking goblin with sharp features and a no-nonsense demeanor.
"Welcome, esteemed guests," The goblin announced, his voice clipped. "Now that all those mentioned in his last testament are here, let us proceed with the reading of Master Flamel's will. I trust you understand that we have much to cover and little time for unnecessary delays."
As they took their seats, Dumbledore introduced Harry to a quiet figure wearing fashionable french robes at the edge of the room. "Harry, this is Pierre le Feu, a descendant of Flamel."
"Enchanté, Harry," Pierre said, his accent gentle, a soft lilt accompanying his words. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too," Harry replied, feeling the weight of the room's tension settle heavily upon him.
Minister Fudge bustled over before Dumbledore could begin to introduce him, his presence instantly overshadowing the quieter attendees. "Ah, Harry, my boy! What an honor it is to be here, witnessing history! I know you're probably busy with summer homework and all that, but perhaps later we can have a luncheon? I have a friend at the Daily Prophet that would love to hear about what you've been up to!"
Harry's polite smile faltered at the Minister of Magic's behavior. "Sir, I'm not sure that's the best idea..." he stated quietly, already feeling the minister's opportunistic gaze boring into him.
"Minister Fudge," Snape interjected, his voice just barely laced with dry sarcasm, "Mr Potter is already infamous for his ego and celebrity. It would not do well to encourage the boy in such a manner."
Fudge bristled, but before he could retort, the goblin cleared his throat, his patience visibly waning. "If we could focus on the matter at hand—Nicolas Flamel's will."
Once everyone finally managed to settle, the room became quiet and the goblin made sure he could proceed. He said, in a formal and clipped tone, "I am Gaddock Helwhit the second, acting as the executor of Sir Nicholas Flame's British Estate, acting in accordance with the laws of the Ministry of Magic and and rules of Gringotts. If any are in opposition to this, speak now and a tribunal will be arrange to arbitrate." When no one spoke, the goblin opened a heavy scroll, his sharp eyes scanning the contents. "I shall begin with Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Master Flamel's longtime friend and confidante. Nicolas Flamel has bequeathed you a collection of artifacts for your use. Each item is unique and Master Flamel states that many may be potentially useful to you for your position as Headmaster, and he hopes you will leave many of them to the use of future Headmasters and Headmistresses."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Thank you, Gaddock."
"As well," Gaddock continued, "you are to receive access to a secured Gringotts safety box containing several grimoires and tomes of considerable danger. Due to this danger, there is a magical lock protecting the box, to prevent anyone from attempting to steal them. A hint to unlock the box is included." Gaddock takes a small note and slides it over to Dumbledore. Everyone catches the slight shift in Gaddock's tone about the implication of the extra security, considering what had happened last year regarding one of Flamel's vaults. Empty or not, someone had managed to break into Gringott's staining their reputation.
Dumbledore picks up the note and glances at it, and his eyes glinted with understanding, though he kept his thoughts to himself.
"Now, for Potions Master of Hogwarts, Severus Snape, a person Master Flamel's states he wishes he'd had the chance for more correspondence with." Gaddock continued, his gaze shifting to the Potions Master. "You are to receive a collection of Flamel's alchemical and potion journals, with a note stating that their value may be more apparent once you've witnessed the next item."
Snape raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued but his expression impassive as he received a slip of paper to use later to acquiring his parcel of books. "Intriguing," he muttered though Harry thought he caught Snape throwing him an ever so brief glare.
"Next, we have Mister Harry Potter, who Master Flamel states he wished he'd had a chance to meet with." Gaddock announced, "Nicolas Flamel has left you this book."
Gaddock placed the book before Harry, its cover seeming simple at a glance but revealing intricate, almost hidden designs on inspection. As Harry grabbed the book and looked it over, he noticed the way everyone in the room seemed to be staring at him, or his new book in some cases.
Dumbledore's expression remained serene, but, seeming to sense Harry's desire for an explanation, spoke up. "Over the past couple centuries, Master Flamel has given a copy of that book to some hundred or so individuals. He has said that he gives it to people he believes have the potential to make a Philosopher's Stone of their own. Technically, due to the span of time and the fact he has not told people to not share the book, pretty much anyone interested knows it's contents. It will seem to be a simple primer for Alchemy, providing many simple exercises and alchemy rites with which to begin your study. There's also occasional discourses on philosophical matters such as the nature of the Soul, the Mind, and the Body, and relations thereof. All things covered in pretty much any introductory course on Alchemy, such as the ones we provide at Hogwarts. The interesting part is that Master Flamel has bequeathed it to you, indicating he sees some potential in you. To my knowledge, no previous receiver of those books has ever succeeded in creating a Stone, but almost all have nonetheless shown themselves to be exceptional in some capacity, if not always in Alchemy.
"Did he ever give you a copy?" Harry asked. "You worked with him on Alchemy, rediscovered something about Dragon's Blood, right?"
Dumbledore gently shook his head, "He has always said I was one of the most brilliant men he's known, but when I asked him about it, he said that I did not have the traits that would lead me to that knowledge." Then, seeming to remember where they were, Dumbledore chuckled with apparent embarrassment and turned to Gaddock, "I apologize for delaying the reading with all that."
"Master Flamel said in his will to allow you to explain all that to Mister Potter, if it came up. He knew you well, Headmaster. But, as he did not state any other allowances in his will, I will brook no other tangents." Gaddock said firmly, to which almost everyone in the room nodded in agreement, though Fudge looked terribly like he wanted to say something to Harry.
Harry glanced at the title of the book, embossed in gold filigree: The Crystalization of Knowledge. The title resonated, igniting a spark of curiosity within him. The Philosopher's Stone was crystal like, and it gave the holder knowledge...
With a clearing of his throat, Gaddock resumed. "Lastly, to Pierre le Feu, Master Flamel's four times great grandson, you are bequeathed various properties across Magical Britain. He states he had intended to liquidate them all, to provide you with funds directly, but did not have the time to accomplish that task. He says that, knowing your particular interests, you will likely not enjoy the role of landlord, or shop owner, and so on. The deeds are yours, along with a list of contacts for potential buyers, should he be correct in his assumption that you would prefer monies. He also paid a small fee to have a financial advisor on retainer for you for a year, to either assist you in selling the properties or assist you in getting started on running them if he was wrong."
"Thank you, Gaddock," Pierre replied, a faint smile touching his lips. "I appreciate the consideration, and my honored ancestor was quite right. I'll be selling the properties as I am not suited to managing them." Pierre took a moment to thoughtfully rub his chin though. "However, I might reach out to some relatives, see if I can keep them in the family to some degree."
Gaddock nodded, not really seeming to care as it wasn't in his line of duties, but he acknowledged Pierre's musing nonetheless. "With this, the Reading of the Will of Master Nicolas Flamel is concluded. Does anyone present wish to contest any aspect of this reading?" No one spoke up. "Then have a good day. Gringotts thanks you for your presence.
With the reading concluded, Fudge clapped his hands together, shattering the contemplative mood in the room. Gaddock visibly rolled his eyes and hastily left "Well, that was an interesting reading! After all that's happened, Harry my boy, we already had our eyes on you, but now," Fudge's eyes gleamed at the book in Harry's hand, "I'm sure all of Britain is excited for what you will do in the future!"
Harry's brow furrowed, a nagging thought lingering at the back of his mind. "Sir, you didn't receive anything from Flamel? May I ask why you were here?" Harry asked, having some ideas but not sure. He knew his question was a bit impertinent and precocious, but since he was still only eleven, he felt confident that he could get away with it, though Snape snorted off to the side and Dumbledore hid a small laugh with a cough.
Fudge waved a hand dismissively. "Ah, I was here in my role as Minister of Magic, Harry! It's not often someone as grand as Master Flamel passes and treasures from his collection are given out. I needed to be here to witness potential events of significance, such as you and your gift, my boy!"
Harry nodded, understanding that in more plain terms, being in the room where important things happened made Fudge look more important. He was using the opportunity to do politics. He'd be able to give an interview to someone at the Daily Prophet, probably skew things to help his image.
As they filed out, Harry moved to trail behind Dumbledore and Snape. He glanced down at the book in his hands, The Crystalization of Knowledge, feeling the weight of expectation resting heavily upon him.
"Harry," Dumbledore said softly, turning to him as they paused in the lobby. "I'm afraid I do not have much time today, so I'll be leaving you in Professor Snape's care. I have decided you may spend a night this summer at the Malfoy's, so long as Professor Snape accompanies you as your chaperone."
"Really?" Harry asked in surprised pleasure before the second part processed. "Ah, if you're alright with that, Professor?"
"Yes Potter, the Headmaster had already spoken to me about the matter and convinced me to agree." The Potions Master said with a weary sigh.
"What about the alchemy stuff? Based on his will, it sounds like Flamel wanted Professor Snape to teach me, is that okay?"
Snape and Dumbledore shared a brief look before Dumbledore spoke, "It will likely be some time before we're able to start on that. Keep in mind, Alchemy at Hogwarts is usually taught to sixth and seventh years, if there is enough interest in it. It is an exceedingly difficult subject and usually requires N.E.W.T.S. in several subjects to be allowed to take it."
"Meaning, Mister Potter, we will have to consider very carefully when we allow you to even begin practicing the basics, for the safety of yourself and others. And before that, preparations of a space to work in, acquiring your supplies, and so on. All told, I would not agree to begin your studies in this subject any earlier than the summer after your third year, should you show you can handle the extra workload and content of your chosen electives."
Snape paused after his statement, ignoring the look of slightly indignant frustration on Harry's face at the idea of waiting two years to start. He turned to the Headmaster for confirmation, who stroked his long white beard thoughtfully.
"I find I agree with that timeline Harry. I know you likely wish to start as early as today, but please understand that there are many reasons we do not begin Alchemy classes until Sixth Year."
Harry lets out a long suffering sigh. It went unsaid amongst the three that everyone assumed Harry would nonetheless attempt some degree of self-study. The adults already made plans on how to keep the boy from hurting himself.
"Well, I must leave you now in the care of Professor Snape, Harry. I'm already a little late for my next meeting. Professor." Dumbledore nodded at Snape before apparating away with a small crack.
"Headmaster." Snape responded with a nod. After his departure Snape turned to Harry, frowning. "I have the lists for your books for next year. While we're here in Diagon Alley, we are going to go ahead and knock that out."
"Oh good, I was planning on asking to do some shopping anyway while we were here. I'm running out of books to read!"
Snape raised an eyebrow at Harry, frowning as it was clear he wanted to do just the school shopping and get everything done as soon as possible.
"It won't take long, I swear Professor!" Harry pleaded, putting on his best puppy dog look.
Snape appeared unfazed by the attempt, merely turning towards the tellers and pulling out the key to Harry's vault.
Harry sighed as he followed. He wasn't going to just let this chance pass.
Author's Note: Hey, sorry for the hiatus, I'm still wanting to finish this story, as well as my Zelda one, but life can get in the way, y'know? Especially since Rowling has shown her ass over the last several years with her transphobia. I want to finish this story, but I also don't want to act as if I support Rowling anymore.