Nicolas Flamel watched Murphy for a while and then smiled. "You are a unique young man. You are ambitious and don't try to hide it. You want to solve problems in the most direct way. You are impatient and eager, yet you seem sincere. Perenelle really would have liked you, it's a pity..."
"If I refuse your request, you'll still find a way to achieve your goal. Your ruthlessness is somewhat reminiscent of your companion here—or rather, his master. However, you're different in that you prefer to use more polite and gentler means to explore possibilities, yearning for others to understand and agree with you before supporting your actions."
"You're different from Dumbledore, and also from Voldemort..." Flamel observed, "You're like a middle ground, or perhaps a combination of some of their traits."
"It's hard to say whether that's better or worse, but surprisingly, I don't dislike a young man like you."
In fact, Flamel felt that he and Murphy shared some similarities, perhaps even more than he shared with Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was more reserved and disciplined, while Murphy was more like himself, more frank about his desires.
"Does this mean you agree?" Murphy asked.
"It's difficult for me to refuse, isn't it?" Flamel said, "Since a while ago, I've felt a spiritual force accumulating, ready to invade my soul and control my will if I refuse you."
"Your perception is sharp." Murphy commented but didn't retract his mental probe.
Nicolas Flamel's spirit was the strangest Murphy had ever encountered. It was calm like still water, but its seemingly liquid surface was as dense as steel, making it hard for the mental seed to penetrate.
Living for over six hundred years does have its merits.
Apart from that, his spirit had almost no vulnerabilities to exploit.
Using mental and spiritual magic on someone like him would be very difficult.
But Murphy had other ways, like using Muggle drugs combined with the Imperius Curse and Commanding Voice to brainwash.
"But, the Philosopher's Stone is currently with Dumbledore." Flamel said, "I can't persuade him to give it to you."
"You only need to give me the legal right to inherit it." Murphy said, "I'll take care of the rest."
"You seem quite dissatisfied with Dumbledore?" Flamel asked.
"A bit..." Murphy sighed, "In short, it's a matter of principles. I respect his morals, but I don't like his methods. Sometimes, I think he's the one living in the past, even more so than you."
"Dumbledore... he carries a lot on his shoulders... Things you can't imagine right now, only visible from his position..."
"But perhaps, it's time to pass the torch to the younger generation. Maybe making some changes isn't so bad. Perhaps we've just been too cowardly."
Having said that, Flamel took out a parchment and wrote his will: "I, Nicolas Flamel, leave all my research materials, results, tools, and products related to alchemy to my disciple—Murphy Darkholme, including the Philosopher's Stone and its product, the Elixir of Life."
He pressed his fingerprint on the parchment and stamped it with a special seal.
"I will send letters to the Ministry of Magic and Gringotts confirming the authenticity of this will." Flamel said, "Are you satisfied now, young man?"
Murphy looked at the will, "Disciple?"
"Sorry, I didn't ask for your permission. But since you're inheriting my knowledge, you can be considered my disciple. This also makes the will more credible. Of course, we can change it if you're not willing."
Murphy frowned, "I'm not unwilling, but now I feel like I can't just casually accept this gift."
Murphy then took out an anti-aging injection from his pocket, "This is an anti-aging drug I developed. It can repair cells. I don't know if it's still useful to you, but there's no harm in trying it if you want to regain some vitality for your last tasks."
Flamel looked at the injection, "An enticing gift. If it were earlier, I might have had difficulty refusing it. Aging makes us undignified, making us look like greedy spirits clinging to life."
"But now, I dare not use it."
"I'm afraid that if I experience the vitality of life again, I will fear death."
Saying this, he glanced at his wife on the bed, "And death is what we have agreed upon. I don't want to keep Perenelle waiting too long."
Murphy frowned and took back the injection.
This was the second time his injection was refused.
Previously, it was by Granny Jaga.
Ironically, compared to younger people, they needed these injections the most.
But his goal was achieved, even more easily than expected. With the will, he was now the legal heir to the Philosopher's Stone. Dumbledore was merely safeguarding it; he couldn't just keep it, could he?
"Murphy, could you please fetch the second bottle on the third shelf of the cabinet outside for me?" Flamel suddenly asked.
Murphy fetched a black bottle from the cabinet and handed it to Flamel, "This looks like Living Death Potion?"
"Yes, potent Living Death Potion," Flamel said, "Sometimes we need a potion to sleep."
"Murphy, as my disciple, could you take care of my affairs after I'm gone?"
Murphy understood in an instant and sighed, "I can."
"Don't worry, I'll drink this potion only after confirming the will with the Ministry of Magic and Gringotts." Flamel said.
Drinking too much potent Living Death Potion could cause the brain to die during sleep.
It's one of the least painful ways to die.
Murphy nodded, "Then, I wish you a pleasant journey, teacher."
After saying that, Murphy left Flamel's room, leaving him alone.
He felt no sadness; after all, their so-called master-disciple relationship was just a one-time exchange, a temporary title. He hadn't given anything nor felt anything for Nicolas Flamel. He even had some doubts, not quite understanding why Flamel was so cooperative.
His last conversation with Dumbledore ended in refusal.
Murphy hadn't originally planned to convince Flamel just through conversation. His talk with Flamel was meant to lower his guard and spiritual defenses, making it easier to control him with magic later.
Was it because Perenelle's death truly made him indifferent, or did he think resistance was futile and chose to cooperate?
Or did he see another possibility in Murphy?
Perhaps Flamel, having lived for over six hundred years with the Philosopher's Stone, had lost much of his attachment to life. But he must have once desired true immortality and eternal life, just like Murphy.
Regardless, with the will in hand, the next steps could proceed.
Murphy left Nicolas Flamel's house, taking Quirrell with him and Apparating back to the Three Broomsticks. Then he contacted Malfoy Manor using a special magical crow.
The crow flew to Lucius's bedside and cawed loudly, waking him up, "Malfoy, get up, get ready. The school board's hearing will be held in a different location."
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