Nick was surprised to hear this as chronostones were horribly rare natural minerals that had the innate ability to mess with time itself. The most common use for the things was to slow down the flow of time in a specific are to the point of almost complete stagnation. This allowed one to extend the shelf life of pretty much anything by many many times. For example if an item that would only last a second normally was placed within such an area it could last hundreds or even thousands of years.-
Unfortunately ancient wizards had mined nearly every one of these stones from the planet long ago for their own uses making them very rare to find. In modern times the most well known use for the mineral was to grind it into sand and place it in a special alchemical device that harnessed the stones power to allow for time travel , in other words time turners. Flammel noticed Nicks surprise at the mention of the chronostone and was impressed. "I am surprised you know of chronostones , they are considered lost knowledge by most." he said honestly.-
"There is a book on alchemical items in Hogwarts library that mentions them." Nick explained with a shrug before taking out an english translated version he copied from the realm and handing it over. Flammel quickly flipped through the pages and casually pointed out a few flawed or incorrect pieces of information but verified that the book did indeed contain knowledge on chronostones. "I recognize your handwriting so I assume you copied the book personally?" Flammel asked while handing the copy back. Nick nodded "I like to collect knowledge like that and figured it would be a good addition to my personal library." he said honestly.-
He had no reason to lie to the old alchemist about such things as the man likely had a very good grasp over reading people and was unlikely to care about his knowledge or abilities. "A common habit for wizards to have though most simply take the original source instead of making a copy." Flammel said with an understanding look. "It might serve better in the schools library , Now that I think about it why are you here exactly since I doubt it was just to get put in danger?" Nick asked curiously. "We didn't get to speak as much as I would have liked when you were at the pageant and I decided to rectify that."-
"It seems this was a wise decision on my part as you clearly have all sorts of wonderful knowledge." Flammel explained with a smile. "Not to mention this dense level of ambient mana that is quickly rejuvenating me." he added. "What do you mean?" Nick asked confused. Even during their previous meeting Nick saw nothing that would indicate that Flammel was suffering mana deprivation. "You have already mentioned tiers during this conversation so I assume you are at least vaguely aware of the different levels of power a magical being could have yes?" Flammel asked and Nick nodded.-
"Then you are also likely aware of the term mana deprivation correct?" he asked and again Nick nodded. "Due to the rather miniscule amount of ambient mana in the world no fifth tier being is capable of surviving under normal circumstances which is known as mana deprivation. My wife Perenelle and I have long since crossed the fifth tier but have had to suppress ourselves back to the fourth and even rely on that stone to survive but we are only just surviving." Flammel explained sadly.-
"Our bodies atrophy and are frail while our magics are limited as a result of centuries of mana deprivation. But this island has such a vast amount of mana that just being here is alleviating those symptoms." He explains and Nick was left stunned momentarily. He had assumed that Flammel had figured out how to take that step but never could have guessed that he had taken it centuries prior and had been suffering Mana deprivation this whole time. "Why didn't you just do what I did and draw in and trap large amounts of mana?" Nick asked confused on this point.-
"There were three reasons for that , first was that I would need a leyline nexus to do that much like this island here. Stagnant mana tends to cause problems after all. The second reason was that we would then become prisoners within our own home which was much worse than a little discomfort. The final reason was that we weren't seeking greater power so it wasn't necessary to survive and live a full life." Flammel explained honestly. "I think I understand what you mean though admittedly I don't think I would have made the same choice in your place." Nick said before taking a sip of tea.