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Chapter 262 - 262: Kestrel's Little Secret

Following that, Nightingale turned to Sagres and added calmly, "Furthermore, I have successfully analysed some of Nicolas Flamel's core alchemical manuscripts. I can now independently brew the Elixir of Life."

The atmosphere in the room subtly tightened, and a faint glimmer passed through everyone's eyes. Even Lupin unconsciously held his breath.

The Elixir of Life?

Were they really operating at this level?

Sagres nodded slightly. "Very good. I will provide you with the Philosopher's Stone later, but its use must be strictly controlled, and all related information must remain confidential to avoid unnecessary complications. For now, only Thunderbird will be supplied with the Elixir of Life within the organisation."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Even the usually composed Thunderbird could not help but show a faint smile.

The Elixir of Life, something countless people pursued their entire lives without success, was now within reach.

Lupin sat silently, his thoughts churning.

The Philosopher's Stone?

The one belonging to Nicolas Flamel?

It seemed that Bronze Feather ran far deeper than he had imagined.

At that moment, Sagres spoke again, pulling his attention back.

"Lupin, given your unique identity and abilities, I have a task for you."

"Please tell me."

Sagres's gaze settled on him, his voice calm and steady. "Your past experiences can serve as a bridge for us to connect with another group that is ignored and feared by wizarding society."

"Although you no longer belong to them, you understand them better than anyone. Your task is to act as an observer, to identify those within the werewolf communities who have not been completely consumed by darkness and are still worth saving."

Lupin's heart tightened.

He understood. This was his mission.

"I understand," he said, nodding solemnly.

"There is no need to rush," Sagres added calmly. "Such individuals are rare, and you must proceed with great caution, especially regarding a werewolf organisation known as the Blood Moon Alliance. At the same time, if possible, gather as much information as you can about them, including their members, locations, and patterns of activity."

Lupin agreed seriously.

Sagres then took out a Bronze Feather emblem and placed it in his hand.

The badge felt slightly warm, with a faint red glow flickering across its surface, as if it possessed a life of its own.

After briefly explaining its use, Sagres shifted his gaze to the bespectacled Stork.

"Are there any international developments recently?"

"There is some news," Stork said calmly, adjusting his glasses. "The Quidditch World Cup will begin in a few months. More importantly, Cornelius Fudge has successfully persuaded several key members of the International Confederation of Wizards, along with the Ministers for Magic of Bulgaria and France. They have largely reached an agreement. The three major European wizarding schools will restart the Triwizard Tournament next year, and it will be held at Hogwarts."

This news caused a slight stir.

Kestrel's eyes lit up with excitement. "Hogwarts? That's wonderful! It's going to be so lively!"

Robin, however, analysed calmly, "This means that in the coming months, the frequency of international Floo Network connections and Portkey usage will increase significantly. The British Ministry of Magic will be under considerable pressure."

"Speaking of which," Snowy Owl said, folding her hands elegantly, her voice soft, "I need to acquire a batch of live Fwoopers recently, preferably adults. Does anyone have a source or any leads? Price is not an issue."

Swift raised an eyebrow. "Fwoopers? Those are rare and quite dangerous. What do you need them for?"

"Business," Snowy Owl replied with a smile, offering no further explanation.

Swift nodded. "The last time I encountered something similar was in an ancient tomb in the Congo forest, where I found traces of related magical creatures. I can help you look into it when I have time."

Snowy Owl nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you."

The conversation gradually shifted into casual discussion.

Sagres seemed to recall something and turned his attention to the female members present, Nightingale, Snowy Owl, Hummingbird, and Kestrel. He spoke calmly, introducing a temptation.

"Not long ago, I developed a form of magic that can permanently preserve the recipient's appearance at its current state, without relying on potions or any external means."

The women's gazes instantly focused on him. Even the usually composed Nightingale leaned forward slightly.

"Is that true?" Robin asked first, her voice filled with disbelief and anticipation.

"Of course," Sagres replied.

Snowy Owl appeared more cautious. She frowned slightly as she asked, "Then what is the cost? For example, would we need to regularly consume blood or something?"

"..."

Sagres was momentarily at a loss for words. He answered calmly, "There is no need to drink blood. However, the recipient will permanently lose the ability to perform any form of human Transfiguration on themselves, including the abilities of a Metamorphmagus. Their appearance will be fixed and cannot be altered at will."

The effect of this "cold water" was immediate.

The women's initial enthusiasm faded at once. They exchanged glances, and clear disappointment appeared on their faces.

Hummingbird was the first to shake her head. "As a healer, I cannot accept permanently sacrificing any magical potential for youth, no matter how tempting it is."

Snowy Owl sighed softly as well. "Eternal youth is indeed alluring, but if it comes at the cost of losing the freedom to transform… then it is not worth it."

Kestrel slumped back in her chair in frustration. "I'll pass too! If I can't change at all, life would be far too boring!"

Her words immediately caught Sagres's attention. He looked at her with a hint of surprise. "You are a Metamorphmagus?"

This was something Kestrel had never mentioned before.

"Uh… no."

Kestrel hesitated, as if realising she had said too much, but in the end, she admitted, "But I am an Animagus."

"Then you are illegal," several members remarked almost in unison, their tones carrying a hint of teasing familiarity.

Kestrel nodded helplessly. "So what? I'm usually very careful. I hardly ever use it. Hey! Don't look at me with those mean eyes!! Boo!"

"So, what is your Animagus form?"

Thunderbird asked, unable to hide his curiosity, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"Well…"

Kestrel immediately perked up again and shook her head firmly. "I'm not telling you!"

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