Chapter 95: Alchemy Talent, Vaughn And The Dragon
It was not until evening that Vaughn saw the letter sent by Hagrid.
He was planning his time for the future, especially the research and use of the Philosopher’s Stone—
In recent days, his spare time had been almost entirely spent on the redesign of the Philosopher’s Stone’s mechanisms. For this, he had specifically applied to Dumbledore to extend the borrowing period of the Philosopher’s Stone.
It was extended from the original 7 days to 1 month.
The Philosopher’s Stone was now in his hands, and he was expected to design the mechanisms, so what could Dumbledore say? Of course, he could only agree.
However, Vaughn wasn’t intentionally trying to keep it; he genuinely didn’t have time to research it.
For a while, he had to meet with Dumbledore almost every day to draw blueprints for new mechanisms for the Philosopher’s Stone—he would dictate, and Dumbledore would draw. This was probably the greatest use of the old man who had lived for over a hundred years; he knew a little bit of everything.
It wasn’t until today, when work was about to begin, that Dumbledore reassigned the project to the professors to avoid making Quirrell and Socket Man suspicious.
Vaughn was no longer suitable to be involved there, so he had time to handle his own affairs.
“System!”
At his call, the system panel appeared in his vision:
【 Host: Vaughn Weasley】
【 Magic Power Scale: 470 (Normal Adult Wizard is 500)】
【 Talents: Charms 7, Dark Arts 6, Transfiguration 8, Potions 10, Herbology 6, Alchemy 6, Divination 2 (Max is 10)】
【 Spells: Legilimency LV5 (MAX), Full Body-Bind Curse LV5 (MAX), Disarming Charm LV5 (MAX), Evanesco LV4（11/16）, Levitation Charm LV4（10/16）… Occlumency LV3 (1/32), Disillusionment Charm LV2（7/8）, Sectumsempra LV2（3/12）, Patronus Charm LV1（6/8）, Apparition LV1（1/6）…】
【 Alchemy LV0（0/20）】
【 Potions: “Vaughn’s Beauty” series, “Vaughn’s Hair Care” series, Wolfsbane Potion, etc…】
【 Reputation Points: 16 points】
【 Side Quest ①: Obtain Philosopher’s Stone（Completed）】
【 Reward: Alchemy Talent（Claimed）】
Looking at his information panel, the completed side quest, and the claimed reward, Vaughn looked at the talent column.
The Alchemy talent didn’t bring him much surprise, only 6 points.
Based on his personal experience practicing Dark Arts, it was only slightly above passing.
However, Vaughn had no complaints. Alchemy wasn’t Muggle physics and chemistry; it had no fixed formulas and no standard answers, so its study particularly valued talent. Having it or not having it was two completely different concepts.
This could be seen from the very first sentence of the introductory textbook on alchemy, which showed its uniqueness:
“The terrestrial universe is one, the physical body and soul are also one, this is duality, the form of the great reality disseminates light like the sun, differentiating the world without damaging the completeness of the aether, when one and one unite, it is the source of creating miracles.（ Adapted from the “Bible” of Alchemy, the Emerald Tablet《》）
It sounded a bit mystical.
The marvelous thing was that previously, Vaughn could barely understand this passage, finding it to be obscure and vague.
Only after receiving the Alchemy talent did he suddenly understand the meaning of that sentence—
It was explaining the true nature of the world and the function of alchemy.
“One” was the “great reality” in that passage, the original form of all existing material and ethereal spirits, and also the initial unified body of the universe.
One day, it dispersed like sunlight, and thus the world and all things were born. However, things were not completely separated; they were closely connected by something called “aether,” which was like the soul of the world.
The secret of alchemy was to roam the aether, communicating with the great universe through the small universe composed of one’s own physical body and soul, to create miracles!
“Indeed, the underlying logic of this world is rather strange. Anything related to magic tends to shift from materialism to idealism. Magic world’s nuclear physics has become a philosophical idea…”
Vaughn gave a wry smile. No wonder alchemy had been so difficult for him to get started with before; he lacked the alchemy talent then and couldn’t even understand the words written in the books. How could he start?
The so-called alchemy talent was actually more like an enlightenment, a channel connecting his “own small universe” with the outside great universe.
Thinking this, Vaughn looked at the newly added 【 Alchemy LV0（0/20）】 on his information panel.
This was the first time he had seen a classification system for applied levels other than spells（ Spells, Dark Arts, and Transfiguration were essentially spells, with different focuses） that was not integrated into the main spell category.
And it was incredibly difficult; LV0 alone required 20 reputation points to fill, which was outrageous.
Hesitating, Vaughn decided not to invest the reputation points reserved from this month’s settlement. After acquiring the alchemy talent, he realized that his previous understanding of alchemy theory was full of errors.
To learn, he still needed to re-read theoretical books and at least understand the various key points of alchemy to avoid going further astray in the future.
He closed the system panel, opened his personal satchel, and took out a piece of translucent stone that was entirely scarlet red.
The stone was not large; even for him, who was still developing, it could be held in one hand.
“I remember reading in alchemy books that the Philosopher’s Stone was called the Fifth Element. The ‘element’ here is not the Muggle term for chemistry, but a term alchemy uses to describe the dynamic relationships of the material world.”
“The first four elements are Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. They basically represent all states of matter—gaseous, liquid, solid, and plasma… Matter circulates between these four states, from light and spiritual to heavy and back to light and spiritual, from cold to hot and back to cold. The four elements describe cycles, so what does the fifth element describe?”
Various questions swirled in his mind. In the end, Vaughn could only give up thinking and prepare to consult Dumbledore when he had time, then go to the library to re-read the foundational knowledge of alchemy.
He had a strong intuition that alchemy might be an important tool for him to seek the essence and origin of magic.
He put the Philosopher’s Stone away again.
It was only then that Vaughn noticed several unopened letters on his dormitory desk, with Hagrid’s at the top.
Opening it, Vaughn raised an eyebrow: “It’s hatching today? I missed the moment the little fire dragon was born, which is a bit of a shame. It’s really uncertain if I’ll ever see it again, as mother dragons are usually very irritable during their nurturing period.”
“I’ll go take a look later. A dragon… Hmm, maybe I can help Hagrid with this trouble?”
Thinking of the level he was designing, Vaughn felt inspiration surge again. He put down Hagrid’s letter and picked up the one below it.
The envelope was addressed:
“To Vaughn Weasley!”
“Your intimate friend, Isabella Rosier.”
Seeing this familiar name, Vaughn felt a bit speechless. If he remembered correctly, the last time they communicated was during Halloween.
Back then, he had asked her to leave North America as soon as possible and return to Europe, wanting to invite her to his investiture ceremony.
It seemed Isabella hadn’t listened to him, or perhaps the situation in North America was becoming increasingly dire, and she couldn’t leave?
Vaughn thought, broke the seal, and drew out the parchment.
Indeed, Isabella had encountered an accident. Or rather, she was now wanted by the North American Ministry of Magic…
“Dear Vaughn, I’m so sorry that I’m only writing back to you months later. It’s just that a series of events has happened recently, and I’ve been on the run. My wand and owl were registered with the North American Ministry of Magic, so I can’t use them anymore. To evade Auror pursuit, my companions and I had to hide in the vast Colorado desert, far from civilization…”
“Do you remember the witch I told you about in my last letter who attacked the Woolworth Building? That poor woman, after being captured, committed suicide in prison on Christmas. When the news spread, the entire North America became like a boiling cauldron.”
“For many years, due to the strict enforcement of the purple International Secrecy Act》 in North America, pent-up resentment among wizards has reached rock bottom. Some wizarding groups have emerged, accusing the Ministry of Magic of using extrajudicial punishment without trial.”
“At such a time, the Muggle government also suddenly made a move. Not long after Christmas, a wizard of Muggle origin living in Kansas was arrested by the Muggle government on charges of endangering national security. No one knows how the Muggles knew about that wizard’s existence. Everyone says the Ministry of Magic deliberately leaked his information because he had publicly criticized the Ministry of Magic in the newspaper a few days prior.”
“After the incident spread, you can imagine the situation here…”
“From Christmas until now, Woolworth and the surrounding street blocks have received as many as 52 attack warnings, targeting members of the Ministry of Magic, that is, the pure-blood families… The pure-blood families have announced that they will implement retaliatory measures, Merlin’s beard…”
“…Dear, you were right. The situation in North America is sliding into the abyss at a breathtaking speed. Everyone is like a vial of Graphorn explosive fluid shaken in mid-air, and no one knows when it will BOOM—”
“But unfortunately, I cannot leave this impending chaotic vortex right now. One day after Halloween, I had some unfortunate things happen. A witch from Ilvermorny saved me… She is also a member of an organization called the Watchers. On Christmas Day, this organization issued death threats to the Grevis and Wilkinson families, and then all those associated with the Watchers were subjected to retaliatory measures by the enraged two families and put on the wanted list…”
“Unfortunately, I, who was recuperating from my injuries, am also on the list. Of course, I don’t blame anyone; after all, they saved me. I can only say that fate has played a rather cruel joke on me…”
“…Also, I’m truly proud of you, my friend. Your reputation has now spread to North America. Inventing Wolfsbane Potion and pushing for the establishment of the Werewolf Affairs Committee, how impressive…”
It seemed that Isabella had been cooped up in the Colorado desert for too long. This letter was a full 6 pages of parchment, clearly detailing her experiences over the past few months and her observations in North America.
Vaughn had never expected that she would have such thrilling and dangerous experiences in just a few months.
However, what reassured Vaughn was that Isabella seemed to have escaped her predicament; at least, she could write to him.
After rereading the contents of the letter, Vaughn didn’t rush to reply.
England and North America were separated by oceans, and a reply wouldn’t solve any problems.
He was considering whether to find someone to help, or to go to North America himself to see if he could bring Isabella back.
After all, she was the first pen pal he had in this world, and the first person to support him.
“The Rosier family is very large, with branches in both England and France. I can first inform them of the situation and see if they have any way to get her out.”
“If that doesn’t work, there’s Crouch and Old Dumbledore…”
Thinking this, Vaughn rummaged through his satchel for his notebook. During the previous interrogation meeting, he had met many representatives from pure-blood families, including the main branch of the Rosier family in England.
Although Isabella was also a Rosier, she belonged to a declining branch. His letter asking for help might be less effective than Vaughn’s.
Finding the contact address in his notebook, Vaughn pondered for a moment, spread out a piece of parchment, and after some pleasantries, he subtly explained the situation to the other party.
After sending this letter, he replied to Isabella, asking her to continue hiding, not to come into conflict with the Ministry of Magic’s Aurors, and to provide a relatively safe and convenient contact method in her next reply.
For example, a Muggle phone would be great!
By the time everything was done, dusk had fallen, and Vaughn emerged from the owlery.
Seeing that it was already evening, he was too lazy to return to Slytherin and walked straight through the castle.
Passing through the courtyard, he saw Malfoy happily talking to Goyle and Crabbe. Upon seeing Vaughn, the three of them immediately shrank behind a pillar like quail.
Vaughn ignored them and headed towards Hagrid’s Hut with Guo Guo Cha.
At the edge of the Forbidden Forest, shrouded by the curtain of night, Hagrid’s Hut glowed with warm, golden light. Unfortunately, the atmosphere inside was far from harmonious.
As Vaughn approached, he heard Hagrid’s booming voice stubbornly shouting:
“…I won’t agree! Norbert is just born and so small. He’ll die without his mother!”
Harry’s frantic shouting could also be heard: “You’re not its mother, don’t forget, you won the egg from the Greek! You didn’t give birth to it… Good heavens, don’t you realize how serious this is? You could go to Azkaban!”
Ron was also trying to persuade him: “Yeah, Hagrid, didn’t Hermione say? Norwegian Ridgebacks grow larger than your house in two months, and they breathe fire. If you don’t send it away while it’s still small, not only will you be in trouble, but it will also be doomed. I heard my father say that large dragons are difficult to handle. To avoid trouble, the Ministry usually incinerates them on the spot.”
Hagrid started sobbing but still refused to budge.
Listening to the chaotic sounds from inside, Vaughn rubbed his temples and pushed the door open. The people inside immediately looked up and, upon seeing him, showed signs of joy.
Hermione, of course, was the happiest. The young girl dropped her notebook and ran over to link arms with Vaughn.
The other three also gathered around. Harry quickly said, “Vaughn, please help us persuade Hagrid. This dragon can’t stay here. Malfoy saw it today, and he’ll definitely tell everyone.”
Malfoy?
Vaughn came to a realization. No wonder that guy had seemed strange when he arrived.
However, he knew that Malfoy wouldn’t spread rumors.
Because Malfoy only cared about Harry. He didn’t care whether Hagrid raised a dragon or not. At most, he would use this to manipulate Harry.
It was true love!
Hagrid also shuffled closer. Vaughn didn’t know how long Harry had been trying to reason with him, but his beetle-like black eyes were already red from crying.
As he spoke to Vaughn, he was still wiping away tears: “Waaah… Norbert is just born, how can such a small chick leave its mother? Even a mouse could bite it to death.”
While sobbing, he opened his huge palm, and a scrawny, incredibly ugly little dragon lay in his palm, gnawing on his finger.
Only one day old, this little dragon could already bite through Hagrid’s rough skin, inherited from his giant lineage, and a trickle of blood seeped out.
Harry and Ron, who were watching nearby, became even more eager to send it away. The more curious they had been before, the more scared they were now.
Vaughn ignored their clamoring and leaned in to observe the small Norwegian Ridgeback, asking Hagrid, “You call it Norbert?”
Hagrid, sniffling, nodded repeatedly: “Yes, look, what a good little lad.”
Observing the little dragon, Vaughn said bluntly, “It seems you’re really not suited to raising dragons, Hagrid. This little one is a female dragon.”
“…” Hagrid, who was sobbing, immediately froze. Harry and Ron also fell silent, all three staring with wide eyes. Only Hermione quickly retrieved her notebook and filled in “Female” in the gender column for “Norbert.”
“Let’s change its name to Norberta, how about that?”
Vaughn first looked at Hagrid, found him still dazed, and then turned to Hermione.
Hermione thought for a moment and nodded, “It sounds nice.”
Thus, the new name for the little Norwegian Ridgeback was decided.
Vaughn extended a finger and tried to stroke its head.
Seemingly sensing that Vaughn’s skin was softer, this ferocious little creature immediately released Hagrid’s finger and bit down on Vaughn.
Then—
*Snap!*
Vaughn flicked his finger hard, and the little dragon’s slender neck flipped backward, letting out a pained hiss as it flopped to the side.
“Hey, what are you doing?” Hagrid finally snapped out of his daze and quickly shielded the dragon.
“This is how you train a wild beast, you can’t spoil it. Otherwise, the better you are to it, the less it will know its place.”
Vaughn ignored Hagrid’s protest and cast a silent, wandless Levitation Charm, grabbing the little fire dragon out of the air.
This little creature, which had been particularly arrogant since birth, seemed to finally sense danger. The fine scales on its gaunt body bristled one by one.
It first let out a deterrent growl, but when Vaughn’s eyes lit up with a magical glow, Norberta, as a magical creature sensing the magical fluctuations, immediately went limp with fear in Vaughn’s hand.
Beside them was Guo Guo Cha, who had extended its cat head at some point and was eyeing the dragon menacingly.
Looking at Norbert—no, Norberta—who had been biting everything all day, now quiet in Vaughn’s hands, its ugly black body seemed to become a little more elegant.
Hagrid, Harry, and Ron stared dumbfounded. Ron quietly hid his afternoon-bitten, slightly swollen finger behind his back.
Harry then said, “See, Hagrid? I told you you weren’t suited to raising dragons.”
Hagrid then started crying again.
Vaughn brought the now-quiet Norberta up to his eyes, his magic-filled gaze observing its life aura.
Compared to its state inside the dragon egg, Norberta’s life aura had increased in brightness, and the blending of colors was more profound, with streaks of orange-red within the dazzling white light.
A peculiar phenomenon, Vaughn of course knew what it represented—its magic seemed to have merged into its life… No, it should be said that part of its body was made of magic.
Vaughn couldn’t help but wonder which part it was. The organ that produced venom, or the organ that breathed fire? Or perhaps the ability to fly?
Dragons also needed magic to fly. Otherwise, their enormous bodies, weighing several tons, would find it difficult to fly solely on the lift provided by flapping their wings.
Norberta trembled under Vaughn’s gaze, which was as sharp as a scalpel.
After observing for a while longer, Vaughn reluctantly withdrew his gaze.
He was afraid that if he looked any longer, his curiosity would get the better of him, and he would dissect Norberta.
He casually placed the little dragon on his lap and looked at Hagrid, who was still wiping away tears.
Harry and the others thought Hagrid was stubborn because they hadn’t found the right approach.
He said, “Harry and the others are right. Raising dragons is illegal, especially at Hogwarts. Even if the Ministry of Magic doesn’t punish you, the Hogwarts Board of Governors will cause trouble for you.”
“And, the current Minister of Magic, the esteemed Mr. Fudge, is looking for any leverage against me and Dumbledore because of the Werewolf Affairs Committee. If he finds out you’re raising a dragon, he’ll be overjoyed.”
The childlike Hagrid might not care about himself, but he certainly cared about Dumbledore.
Indeed, upon hearing Vaughn’s words, Hagrid hurriedly wiped his face and asked nervously, “Then, what should I do?”
“There are two ways.” Vaughn held up his fingers: “The first way is, I’ll write to Charlie, and ask him to come over in the next few days to take Norberta to the dragon reserve in Romania. There are professionals there who can legally take in and care for Norberta.”
Harry and Ron looked delighted; this was a good solution. Hagrid, however, remained silent. He didn’t like it because Romania was too far, and Norberta was too young.
Vaughn wasn’t surprised and held up his second finger: “The second way is, I’ll arrange a place for it. You don’t need to know what kind of place it is, just know that it’s very safe. For the first three weeks, while it’s still weak, I can bring it back here often for you to feed.”
This…
Hagrid hesitated.
Ron quietly said to Harry, “If I were Hagrid, I would never hand over my beloved pet to Vaughn. He might say it’s safe, but it could turn into a potion… Ouch!”
Harry elbowed him silently to prevent him from causing trouble.
Compared to treating the fire dragon as his child and calling himself its mother, Harry thought Vaughn was a thousand times more reliable. At least in their interactions, Vaughn, despite occasional playful malice, always kept his word.
Either of the two options was better than keeping the fire dragon with Hagrid.
After thinking for a long time, Hagrid looked pleadingly at Vaughn: “Do I really have to choose one?”
“Yes,” Vaughn said calmly. “It cannot stay here.”
As if sensing that this conversation would determine its fate, Norberta bravely let out a cry towards Hagrid. But its pathetic sound was cut off halfway as Guo Guo Cha’s large paw pressed down on its head, muffling it back into its stomach.
The poor Norberta curled up on the big demon king’s lap, not daring to struggle.
Hagrid watched, heartbroken, tears streaming down his face: “Just… just let me spend another three weeks with it…”
