Ludwig bowed respectfully. "Yes, Mr. Flamel."
"Just call me Nicolas," he said with a smile, then looked at his wife. "And this is Perenelle, my life partner and a witch far wiser than I."
Perenelle greeted Luna gently, touching her shoulder with a warm hand. "Luna, our home is full of little secrets and amazing creatures. How about you come on a little adventure with me while your brother is busy playing with metal and magic?"
Luna nodded with a curious smile, and took Perenelle's hand without the slightest hesitation.
Nicolas gestured to Ludwig, inviting him inside the house. They passed through rooms filled with bookshelves, antique clocks ticking against time, and spiral stairs of softly gleaming obsidian stone. At the end of a subterranean corridor lit by the blue glow of hanging crystals, stretched a large iron door with alchemical circles engraved in its center.
"My laboratory," Nicolas said, opening the door with a touch of his wand.
Behind it opened a vast and dimly lit room, full of strangely shaped glass tools, beakers with colorful liquids, and long stone tables covered with notes, parchments, and raw materials from various parts of the world. In the center of the room stood a half-finished golden phoenix statue—its wings seemed about to flap at any moment.
"This is not a place for fooling around," Nicolas said, his voice now serious. "Alchemy is not merely the art of turning lead into gold. It's about understanding the nature of all that is living and non-living. About will. About true transformation."
Ludwig stepped in, his eyes shining. In this place, everything felt possible. Even the most impossible ideas.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the equally enchanting house, Luna was walking with Perenelle through a glass garden, where flowers bloomed only when they heard singing. They traversed rooms filled with small creatures: a salamander sleeping on a pile of glowing embers, a paper bird flying in circles chasing its own tail, and a two-headed cat purring in a hanging chair.
Luna chuckled softly when a small, purple-furred creature leaped onto her shoulder and chirped quietly.
"What is this?" she asked, full of wonder.
"That's Morrie, a type of alchemical pixling. He likes children with big imaginations," Perenelle answered with a gentle smile.
Their adventures around the place were like stories from a fairy tale. However, Luna knew—this was all real. And her brother, Ludwig, was now at the heart of something far greater than mere card duels or games.
She wasn't sure where this journey would take them. But one thing was clear: this summer would change everything.
Nicolas Flamel's subterranean laboratory was utterly silent, filled only with the soft clinking of glass, the gurgling of liquids from distillation tubes, and the gentle scratch of a quill on parchment. In the center of the room, Ludwig sat on a heavy wooden stool, worn by time but still sturdy enough to support anyone thirsty for knowledge.
Before him, Nicolas Flamel was turning the pages of a thick notebook bound in dark leather. The parchments inside were filled with diagrams, Ludwig's neat but dense handwriting, and schematics of alchemical mechanisms mixed with ancient magical notations. To the left of the table, there was also a stack of books—old books from the Hogwarts library, copies of manuscripts from the Room of Requirement, and transcripts of Pandora Lovegood's personal experiment journals.
"So... this is five years of your work?" Flamel asked, his voice containing restrained admiration.
Ludwig nodded, leaning forward slightly. "Yes, starting from the theory of fusing alchemical metals and memory crystals, to the use of magical architecture that can receive commands from sealed cards—then a manifestation module that can respond to a kind of soul imprint from the character on the card."
He took a deep breath, then unrolled a large sketch. When it was laid out on the table, it revealed a three-dimensional design of a "Game Board"—concentric circles like a mandala with runic symbols, four focal points on its sides, and a rectangular indentation in the middle where cards would be placed.
"This game board... is not just a dueling surface. It will be a field of manifestation," Ludwig explained. "When a card is placed—with the activation of certain runes—the character within the card will appear, not in full physical form, but as a semi-material entity: it could be a holographic projection with an ether particle base, or a spectral form like the ghosts at Hogwarts."
Flamel touched the sketch with his slender but still magically powerful fingers. "You want to create a miniature reality within a confined space. This is like trying to make a living Pensieve... or like a magical map that interacts in two directions."
Ludwig nodded quickly. "Exactly. But instead of just displaying memories or locations, I want to create a manifestation space that can respond to actions and interactions: dueling commands, defenses, attacks. As if each card carries the 'spirit' of a character that can bring itself to life."
Flamel looked at Ludwig for a long time, before nodding slowly. "And these cards...?"
Ludwig opened a small box from his pocket. Inside, there were several prototype cards—exceptionally illustrative images of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings characters, printed with shimmering ink on an alchemical paper surface. On their backs, runes were written in dragon's blood-red ink, and on some cards, small crystal fragments were embedded within the card's layers.
"These—aren't perfect yet," Ludwig said. "But I want each card to have a 'core'—a kind of memory stone or energy residue. Like a mini-Pensieve. Characters can be formed from this energy. I'm still looking for the best material for the 'core'—whether moonstone crystal, or a layer of ethereal liquid from distilled phoenix ash..."
Flamel leaned back, looking at Ludwig with sharp eyes full of curiosity and respect. "Brilliant idea. Ambitious. And not a single young wizard has ever come to me with a scheme this grand. You know... many come wanting to make a Philosopher's Stone. You came wanting to make a living game."
Ludwig smiled faintly, but his eyes retained their seriousness. "Because for children and young wizards, games are the purest form of learning. And through this game... I want to combine magic, imagination, and logic. So that anyone can be a creator, not just a passive wizard."
Flamel stood, then walked to his wooden shelf hidden behind a stone wall. He took out an old wooden box, opening its latch with an alchemical charm. Inside were crystal tubes, small softly glowing stones, and a thin book that looked like it was bound in phoenix leather.
"Then," he said, handing the box to Ludwig, "let us begin making magic. Together."
In the distance, the sounds of Luna and Perenelle's laughter could still be heard, echoing from the backyard filled with strange and beautiful creatures. But in that room, in Flamel's subterranean laboratory, the initial sparks of a new world had already begun to ignite.
In the Middle of Summer, Flamel's House, South Garden
The warm summer air enveloped Nicolas Flamel's lush herb garden, while the faint scent of dried mandrake root and magical bay leaves drifted on the wind. But in the tightly sealed underground chamber, the sparks of alchemical magical energy colored the air.
Ludwig had been at Flamel's house for weeks. Each day was spent in the laboratory, chasing a dream that for five years had only existed in sketches and formulas. Now, with the legendary alchemist, that dream was slowly beginning to materialize.
On the laboratory table lay the object that had previously only existed in his mind—a prototype Game Board, large and elegant like a royal chessboard, but with an extraordinary touch of magical and alchemical technology.
Its surface was a large square, its sides carved with ancient runes from the Nordic magical alphabet, emitting a faint blue-white glow. Each square on the board was large enough for one card, with thin circular contours in the middle—where manifestation would occur. In certain specific parts, small runes were regularly embedded, functioning as resonance transmitters when cards were placed.
Nicolas Flamel looked at the board with sparkling eyes. "Extraordinary... the energy flow is smooth but dense. You've created a magical conductor almost equivalent to a wand core."
Beside him, Perenelle touched one side of the board with her delicate fingers, feeling the pulse of living energy. "And all of this came from your blueprints and notes, Ludwig."
Ludwig nodded, his face slightly tired but his eyes shining. "I'm only building on what I've learned. Without your help, none of it would have been possible."
He took out a set of cards from a small obsidian box. "And these... are the modified versions of the cards."
The cards now looked more vibrant—each sheet had a small crystal at its core, embedded within a flexible yet strong material, glowing when touched by magic. The front displayed remarkably illustrative images of characters from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, redrawn with a magical touch: Thorin standing proudly surrounded by embers, Gandalf with a brightly lit staff, and Smaug coiling like living fire.
"Each card has a 'core'—containing fragments of ether bound by constructive spells. When a card is placed on the board, the runes will read the code within the card, then trigger etheric resonance to create a semi-manifestation form. They will be visible, able to move, and even perform 'actions' according to the card's abilities."
Nicolas Flamel nodded slowly. "You have created a game that is more than just a game, Ludwig. This is a magical art that can educate and entertain simultaneously."
In the midst of their concentration, suddenly small running footsteps approached.
"Ludwig! Ludwig!"
Luna appeared from behind the lab door, her blonde hair messy with dried leaves clinging to her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled, but her mouth was pouting.
"I saw all the cards... they're scary! There are dragons, old wizards, big orcs... why isn't there anything cute?"
Ludwig chuckled softly, lifted his sister, and sat her on a stool beside him.
"Because this world needs battles, Luna," he said gently.
"So cute creatures can't fight?" Luna quickly retorted. "I want creatures like a Moonrabbit, or a Windy Fox, or the Water Horse I hugged yesterday in the backyard!"
Perenelle stifled a laugh, while Flamel smiled wisely. "Perhaps it's time you created a new edition of this game, Ludwig—an edition for Luna."
Ludwig looked at his cards, then turned to Luna, who was looking at him hopefully. He smiled broadly.
"Alright. There will be a cute creature edition. And you'll be the designer, Luna."
Luna's eyes widened with happiness. "Really?! I want them to be able to dance too! And throw rainbows!"
Perenelle gently stroked Luna's head. "Then we'll need more silver crystals and a bunch of moon owl feathers. I'm sure they can dance if given magical energy from a child's heart."
In their smiles and light laughter, the Game Board glowed softly on the table—as if welcoming the new life it was about to create. A game from an old dream, now reborn by magic, family, and hope.
Flamel's Atelier, East Wing – Two Weeks After the Game Board Prototype Was Completed
After Luna's laughter filled Flamel's house for several days, Ludwig sat lost in thought at a wooden desk covered in ink and research papers. Before him, a thick notebook titled "Monster & Heroes: The Hobbit & The Rings" was neatly closed. The Game Board had been working well, and characters from Tolkien's world had come alive on the dueling board he created.
But a small voice wouldn't leave his mind—Luna's laughter and whining when she saw the cards of orcs and dragons, his little sister's tiny face hoping to see "cute creatures that can dance and throw rainbows."
That night, accompanied by candlelight and the lingering scent of herbs in the air, Ludwig began his new project.
Not a novel. This time: comics.
His hands began to move nimbly over white parchment paper. Image after image appeared—small creatures with large eyes, round ears, funny bodies, and adorable auras. Each page was filled with color, smiles, and cheerful spirits.
Three Days Later – Flamel's House Garden
"Luna, look at this!" Ludwig called, carrying several comic sheets still wet with ink.
Luna was sitting on the grass, wearing a light blue dress and a straw hat adorned with dried flowers. She was talking to herself with a glowing insect she had just found—or at least, pretending she could talk.
As Ludwig laid the comic sheets in front of her, Luna fell silent. Her eyes widened. Her tiny hand touched the first page.
"What is this...?"
"These are comics. Stories about small creatures called Pokémon. They live in a world full of adventure and magic... and they can be friends, battle, and... sometimes evolve."
Luna picked up one drawing and almost shrieked softly, "AAAAHH! Who is this?! This is so cute! The one with ears like wings!"
"That's Clefairy."
"This one! The one with a smile like it's sleeping!"
"Happiny."
"The one that's so beautiful and looks like it's swimming in the air!"
"Milotic."
Luna jumped up from her seat, hugging her brother's arm tightly. "Ludwig! These have to be cards! They have to! I want my Clefairy card to sing and spin in the air!"
Ludwig chuckled. "They will be cards. But different from the previous cards. Because Pokémon can evolve, I can't make one card that transforms into another form. So I'll make each version of them one by one. There's Ralts... Kirlia... Gardevoir... all will have their own cards. There will be many."
Luna clapped her hands cheerfully. "YAAAAY! I want to collect them all! From the tiny round ones to the ones with long hair! And I want... Jigglypuff! The one that can sing everyone to sleep!"
The following days were filled with laughter and scribbles. Ludwig drew each Pokémon he remembered, adapting them into duel cards with light and fun functions, not just for battling, but also able to dance, sing, and perform tricks.
Luna became her brother's personal consultant—giving comments every day:
"Milotic must be able to make water fly!"
"Ralts must appear spinning!"
"Chansey must produce sweet eggs!"
Not infrequently, Luna herself drew her versions—with small hands and messy scribbles, but full of imagination.
Flamel's Atelier – Miniature Testing Room
The Pokémon card prototypes began to be tested. When Ludwig placed the Clefairy card, the board vibrated gently and a sweet pink hologram floated into view. Clefairy danced, winked, and skipped lightly.
Luna shrieked with delight, dancing along with Clefairy.
When Happiny appeared, Luna immediately hugged its hologram even though she knew it wasn't a real creature. "I'm going to give you a name! Happipon!"
Ludwig and Perenelle chuckled softly in the distance.
"It seems card dueling will now have two categories: those who want to win... and those who want to be happy," Perenelle said with a smile.
Nicolas Flamel nodded, deeply moved. "This child has given new meaning to alchemy. Not just about immortality or power... but also about hope and laughter."
Flamel's House – The Last Summer Evening
The sun began to dip behind the small French mountains, bathing the Flamel family home in a soft golden light. The atmosphere felt melancholic in the backyard where Ludwig and Luna usually played. That day, the atmosphere was not as lively as usual. There was no sound of Luna laughing as she chased strange creatures with names she created herself. There was no sound of card sheets being spread out for duel simulations. Only the gentle breeze and the rustling of trees.
Ludwig stood before the large door of Flamel's house, a small suitcase already in his hand. Luna stood beside him, hugging a small, soft blue furry creature, resembling a mix between a rabbit and a squirrel, a gift from Perenelle.
Nicolas Flamel and his wife Perenelle stood at the threshold, their gazes full of emotion.
"We... want to thank you," Ludwig said in a quiet but firm voice. "For all the knowledge, experience, and also the warmth you've given us."
Perenelle immediately hugged Luna tightly. "You made this house much livelier, mon ange. Never stop laughing and dreaming, okay?"
Luna nodded slowly, tears beginning to well up. "I'll take care of all of them, I promise..."
Nicolas stepped closer, carrying an old, dark brown trunk with a softly gleaming bronze handle. But this trunk was clearly no ordinary trunk. On its lock, ancient alchemy symbols were inscribed, and when Ludwig touched it, the trunk vibrated gently like a living creature.
"Perenelle and I agreed, this trunk is yours now," Nicolas said softly.
Ludwig raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "This...?"
"An Undetectable Extension Charm. Like Newt Scamander's. But its contents have been changed by us."
With a flick of his hand, Nicolas touched the trunk and opened it. What appeared inside was truly extraordinary.
A small spiral staircase descended into a spacious and brightly lit room. Inside:
A complete alchemy laboratory, with engraved glass equipment, rare materials, and a large workbench in the center. A library, tall shelves filled with dragonhide books, ancient notes, Flamel's personal journals, and even the original manuscript about the Philosopher's Stone. On the other side, a small room with glass doors contained a miniature habitat filled with cute and magical small creatures: Mist Pixies, Three-Eyed Squirrels, and Flying Paper Birds—all gifts from Perenelle for Luna.
"This is not just a gift," Flamel continued. "This... is a legacy of knowledge and trust. I hope you use it wisely, Ludwig."
Luna touched the edge of the trunk and smiled widely. "We can live inside the trunk, brother!"
Ludwig chuckled, tears almost falling too. "We can research as much as we want. Anywhere."
Perenelle gave them each a final hug. "Whenever you wish to return, this house is open. No need to knock."
The magical carriage that would take them home was already waiting. Ludwig gently lifted the magic trunk. Luna turned back one last time, waving with both hands.
"Au revoir!" she called out.
Flamel and Perenelle stood side by side, holding hands. They said nothing—their warm smiles were enough.
For them, Ludwig and Luna were not just guests, not just students—they were grandchildren, a legacy of hope for a brighter future.
And now, that magic trunk contained not just knowledge, but also memories, love, and the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter.
The Lovegood Family Home – End of Summer Holiday
The English summer sky greeted the two siblings with soft, rolling clouds. When Ludwig and Luna's feet touched the ground in front of the eccentric Lovegood house, the familiar scent of wild flowers and warm mushrooms welcomed them—this home was truly alive.
The front door opened before they even had a chance to knock.
"Ludwig! Luna!"
Pandora scurried towards them, her sea-blue robes gently fluttering, followed by Xenophilius, who smiled broadly with his Spectrespecs perched on his nose.