Chapter 16 - A Little Bit of Help (1/2)
”So what you are saying is that the thing if Nicholas Flamel's that was in the vault is the Sorcerers Stone?” Asked Harry who was obviously getting more excited by the minute.
”I mean, it is a Stone that provides eternal life via the Elixer of Life and endless riches. What else would anyone want from Nicholas Flamel other than his knowledge? It can't be anything other than the Stone.” Said Arth while shrugging. ”The object you described also fits the description. A small object about the size of your hand.”
Ron sat down staring at Arth in disbelief.
”So by using the stone, Nicholas Flamel can become immortal?”
Arth furrowed his brows. ”Technically, it's more like suspended Immortality. He doesn't die, yes, but he needs to take the Elixer at constant intervals. If he doesn't, I suspect that time would catch up to him.”
”What do you mean time would catch up?”
”Imagine aging a thousand years instantly. I'd reckon his flesh would dissolve, his skin would shrivel up, and all of his organs would either decompose or mummify around his bones. His bones may or may not disintegrate, turning him into one pile of dust.”
”What a horrible way to go. . . .”
Arth shrugged. ”Is it really though? I think it's a peaceful way to die. Virtually painless. The neurological functions of the human body wouldn't have enough time to register the deconstruction of the brain and brain stem, it would like being awake one moment and going to sleep in the next.”
Ron stared at Arth in disgust. ”How the bloody hell do you know this? You are a first year like us?”
Arth pointed at a random book on the shelf. ”Magical Theories and Possible Conclusions. Page thirteen hundred sixty four. Fourth paragraph. Theory of Time-Body Dissonance.”
”And I thought that Hermione was a monster.”
Harry let out a chuckle. ”So is Nicholas like a thousand years old or something?”
”About half a thousand. Six hundred and sixty-five to be exact.”
”No wonder we couldn't find Flamel in that Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry,” said Ron. ”He's not exactly recent if he's six hundred and sixty-five, is he?”
Harry let out a groan. ”I can't believe I wasted all that time in the restricted section when all the information was two tables across from me.”
Arth frowned. ”What do you mean the restricted section-”
”Quiet in the library.”
Madam Pince suddenly appeared out of nowhere and gave Ron and Harry a disapproving his before flashing out a smile towards Arth.
”What a pleasure it is to see you here again today. How are you today my boy?”
”I'm great, thank you for asking Madam Pince. How about you?”
”I'm doing great. Are you here for some more light reading? Would you like for me to recommend a book?”
Arth hesitated but shook his head. ”Maybe later, I'm helping my friends understand something at the moment. But I would like to hear your recommendation at a later time.”
Madam Pince gave Arth a smile before disappearing around the corner.