Hogwarts Outsider

Chapter 92: “Philosophers Stone Location”

What! Morgana exclaimed loudly. Do you know where the Philosophers Stone is?

Matthew neither nodded nor denied it. Instead, he calmly took out a greased paper bag from his pocket.

With deliberate slowness, he opened the greased paper, revealing its contents, and handed both the contents and the greased paper to the little boy in front of him, who was shorter than him by half a head.

Whats this? Morgana frowned as she saw what was wrapped in the greased paper, pinching her nose with her other hand.

In front of her lay a filthy cloth strip that had been enclosed for an unknown period of time.

A putrid odor filled the air as soon as it made contact with the fresh air.

Ms. Morgana, I suggest you take a closer look, Matthew calmly advised. Its best to smell it again.

Morgana gave Matthew a skeptical look before turning her attention to the boy standing before her.

His expression seemed incredibly sincere. Resisting the stench, she brought her nose closer to the soiled cloth strip

In an instant, she was taken aback.

With an almost imperceptible speed, Morgana appeared right in front of Matthew, shouting hysterically, Where where did you get this this thing!

Beyond the disgusting stench, she recognized a familiar scent that had been with her for hundreds of years.

The scent of the Philosophers Stone!

Calm down, Ms. Morgana! Matthew suddenly felt immense pressure, causing his legs to weaken. He quickly pleaded, Please, calm down Calm down

The cloth strip wrapped in greased paper was nothing more than a mop strip!

Nearly half a year ago, during his second after-school practice, Matthew was instructed by the castle caretaker, Mr. Pringle, to clean Professor Rosiers office.

At the time, Matthew chanced upon a droplet of bright red liquid resembling blood beneath Professor Rosiers chair.

Without hesitation, he wiped it up entirely with a mop.

However, after a series of events, when he returned the cleaning supplies to Mr. Pringles office, Matthew discreetly tore a small piece of cloth stained with a bit of that bright red liquid from the mop.

Upon returning to the Slytherin common room, he carefully wrapped the cloth strip in greased paper, preserving and sealing it.

Initially, Matthew kept a watchful eye on the cloth strip, unsure of its significance.

Yet as time passed and more evidence surfaced, he was able to piece together about 80 to 90 percent of the puzzle.

Professor Bagshot once said, Wizards like Gellert Grindelwald held no interest in using the Philosophers Stone for life-prolongation elixirs

Matthew also wondered if Professor Grindelwald would accumulate vast wealth through the Philosophers Stone

And the notion of hiding away precious treasures like a dragon in a fairy tale, rather than utilizing them, seemed inconceivable for Professor Grindelwald!

As a result, Matthew quickly uncovered the answer to the Philosophers Stones whereabouts

Immortality was not a formidable magic; the wizarding world boasted numerous means of achieving such an effect, making elderly wizards appear youthful.

Yet, such magic, like Muggle makeup, merely produced illusory appearances.

Regardless of how stunning the transformation was, when the magical facade dissipated at night, a reflection in the mirror would still reveal the truththe appearance of Immortality would appear aged.

But Professor Vinda Rosiers Immortality was different.

Her youthful countenance and skin appeared natural, devoid of any magical disguise.

It was as if time had passed without leaving a trace on her.

The sensation was unmistakable, especially when Matthew left Professor Slughorns office and came into close contact with the Headmistress.

Matthew became almost certain of the Philosophers Stones whereabouts at that moment.

You see, the Philosophers Stone, as the most precious, purest, and most magical substance, the pinnacle achievement of alchemy, had one final purpose

Immortality.

Furthermore, what the Philosophers Stone offered was true eternal youth, halting the passage of time within ones body entirely until the individual departed from the world, untouched by age

Though this use of the Stone was the least conspicuous of the three.

For Professor Grindelwald, a unique and precious magical item like the Philosophers Stone being employed as a mere cosmetic by one of his most loyal subordinates might appear peculiar.

However, it might seem reasonable if Professor Grindelwald undertook such an endeavor.

Of course, Matthew would keep the origins of the cloth strip private.

Morgana, on the other hand, grew increasingly anxious. She shouted, gripping Matthews collar, lacking any semblance of decorum, Where did it come from this thing where did you get it

Calm down, Ms. Morgana, Matthew smiled. Now, can you believe what I told you earlier?

Very well! Morgana appeared somewhat calmer, taking a deep breath. Now, I believe you You can lead me to find the Philosophers Stone

And what about the conditions I stated earlier? Matthew asked, grinning.

Yes, I will fulfill all of them, Morgana replied, her voice low. I wont harm Neville Longbottom or Hermione Granger, nor will I take Harry Evans life

She paused, then continued slowly, And of course, I wont harm you if you assist in locating the Philosophers Stone.

Alright, lets make a pact! Matthew suddenly felt a twinge of childlike playfulness as he extended the little finger of his left hand.

What does this mean? Morgana asked, perplexed.

Its a way Muggles make promises, Matthew explained. When two people intertwine their little fingers, they cannot break their word or deceive each other

A Muggles method of making agreements? Morgana sneered, seemingly unimpressed.

Nevertheless, she extended the pinky of Harrys right hand to join with Matthews.